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The Spirit of the Black Dress Gala; MSFW 2009

Written by Tania Braukamper

Though physically a small and cleanly laid out exhibition, The Spirit of the Black Dress was the result of bucket-loads of talent. 10 uber-impressive black dresses, each with their own unique twists, lined the room; while behind them, wall mounted, a dark and sensual portrait of each dress gave another perspective to the concept. The photographer was Christian Blanchard; a dapper young man with cheeky eyes, dishevelled hair, and a very bright future. Blanchard's folio of ad campaigns and magazine editorials is impressive; his work on the exhibition striking, aided by superb hair and make-up by Ashleigh Richards and Carl Reeves.

Each of the 10 black dresses was created especially for the exhibit by a different designer. Airdrie Makim of Joolz added vintage playing-card butterflies on long pearl strands to Claire Djuve's little draping black number in a winning partnership. Project Runway phenomena Leigh Alexander Buchanan used asymmetrical tiers of tulle to create a voluminous and eye-catching gown. Rachael Cassar's glints of gold were a magical touch, Nikolina Kucan's floor-sweeping number elegant yet modern.

Alyana Eau, Andy Tsang, Kristy Barber, Michelle Czech, Noelle Kan, and Sonya Kraan rounded out the rest of the exhibition with equally beautiful work. If you have a chance to visit The Spirit of the Black Dress this week, do so; you can find it at Georges Building off Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

Giang Cao of Through The Looking Glass was our social photographer for the opening gala of the exhibition. To see the social shots, as well as some of the exhibition itself, click on the gallery below.

Written: 01.09.2009