Edward Steichen & Art Deco Fashion Exhibition

Yesterday was Australia day, a day which everyone celebrates what it means to be Australian. My dad and i decided to venture out into the city and observe the large crowds of people who participated in activities, markets and events. It was nice to see so many people out and about, enjoying the sunshine. We, like everyone else in the city also participated by visiting the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) to see the Art Deco exhibition. With the recent return of the flapper dress style after the popular block buster, "The Great Gatsby" was released, i was excited to explore the origins of this fashion trend and most of all to view traditional garments and photographs from the era. 


The exhibition was remarkable! It showcased the famous photographer Edward Steichen's works which captured the sophistication and elegance of the golden age of fashion as he masterfully incorporated backdrops and models to compliment and enhance the fashions being displayed through imaginative documents of glamour, talent and style. I looked at each photograph with awe as the women dressed in midi-length, loose fitting garments embellished with sequins, clashing textiles and patterns illustrated their elegance and femininity. The photographs are timeless pieces of beauty highlighting Edward's skills and creativity as a photographer. 

Photograph by Edward Steichen
(my favourite photo!)

Interestingly, the styles of the 1920's and 30's set a template for modern dressing as the traditional style of dress including corsets and floor-length curvaceous gowns were push to aside allowing new styles of clothing to emerge based on functionality, comfort and lesuire. This type of dress was labelled as "sportswear." Sportswear was designed for lean, boyish and athletic figures as the garments were loose fitting and slipped easily over the head. Additionally, inspiration was drawn from exotic cultures such as China, Japan and Egypt. The Japanese Kimono was a basis for the Art Deco coat design. Western designers adapted a flat form kimono for the basis of the coat designs, which were stylised and dressed with oriental motifs and sequins. On the other hand, the Art Deco style was made up of the fit and cut of sportswear garments, geometric lines and stylised motifs.

Edward Steichen
 Photograph 

As skirts and dresses shortened in the 1920's, a greater emphasis was placed on footwear, which was once hidden by floor length hem lines. Shoes were fashioned from luxurious textiles and designed to capture light with movement. Their textiles often included metallic thread or colours such as gold and silver which were highly reflective. Shoes were also, much like the dresses, designed for functionality and comfort by incorporating the cross bar. Along with an increased interest in shoes, hats became another popular accessory. Hats gripped the head in a relaxed comfort and turban styled hats framed dark, heavy make up to enhance glamour and seductiveness. 

These shoes are so beautiful!
Slippers by Perugia

Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and left feeling very inspired as well as having a better understanding of this beautifully elegant period of fashion history. Unfortunately i was unable to take photos while walking through the display, however, like all galleries, i had to exit out of the book shop and bought myself an Art Deco book featuring the garments showcased in the exhibition. This is where i have sourced a lot of my in depth information and my images of the collection. 

I hope you all enjoy learning and reading about this exhibition as much as i enjoyed viewing it. If you live in Melbourne, Australia, i encourage you to see this exhibition before it closes! 

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/