It’s a sad fact that when an exhibition comes to town, you think you have all the time in the world to go and view it… and then, all of a sudden, it’s gone. Do not dally on this one Melbourne readers (nor visitors to the city for that matter); it may be at the State Library of Victoria til October but that’s all the more danger to be lulled into the procrastination trap.
Titled ’til you drop: shopping – a Melbourne history this exhibition is a beautifully curated look at the social history of Melbourne through shopping, from the glory days of Marvelous Melbourne up to the not-quite-so marvelous present. While it’s not strictly fashion related (food and homewares also make an appearance) it’s the fashion memorabilia that will have every fashioniser enthralled and inspired.
Couple leaving La Pastorale Frocks, 125 Collins Street, Wolfgang Sievers, 1965
Illustrated fashion catalogues and vintage shopping bags from the luxury stores of yore sit alongside iconic Melbourne photographs and hand-scribbled books. An exploration of Melbourne’s shopping streets and arcades reveals unused architectural plans and remembers long lost heritage buildings.
Some selected images from the exhibition can be found below – and to see the rest simply wander into the State Library of Victoria on Swanston St, Melbourne. It’s free to visit and open daily.
For more information visit http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/.
