After a two-year hiatus, the NGV Gala returned with a star-studded bang launching the highly anticipated first exhibition of its kind: Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse.
On the night of the 10th December, the fashion world’s who’s who flocked to the St Kilda Rd gallery to celebrate the exhibition’s launch with a lavish gala. Featuring archival pieces from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles (LACMA) and the NGV Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse is the first major Australian exhibition to explore the work of this industry-disrupting fashion designer.
As a partner of the NGV Gala since 2017, David Jones is a proud supporter of art and culture. Here is your sneak peek into the world of Alexander McQueen, the NGV, and the exhibition’s opening night in all its fashion-forward glory.
Alexander McQueen: The man, the myth, the legend
One of the most unique fashion designers of the century, the late Alexander McQueen’s influence continues to permeate through the halls of art and fashion. David Jones has a longstanding relationship with the Alexander McQueen brand, having housed the acclaimed label for over ten years.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, says, “Alexander McQueen is beloved for his boundary-pushing and highly conceptual designs that set him apart from his contemporaries. With meticulous craftsmanship and an intellectual rigour seldom seen on the runways before or since he created a new vocabulary for fashion design that still resonates today.”
The NGV Gala Night Red Carpet Fashion
In true Alexander McQueen spirit, the NGV Gala Night’s “black red-carpet” was an elite fashion and style masterclass, signalling the exhibit’s opening. The star-studded guest list included Friends of David Jones: Elsa Pataky, Victoria Lee, Tom Derickx, Adam Goodes, Nathan McGuire, and The Hon. Julie Bishop.
The NGV Gala red carpet arrivals were held at the iconic NGV waterwall entrance. Here, guests were treated to an Australian first: the “Muse by David Jones” phantom camera activation hosted by Stylist Stuart Walford. Lifted straight from the Oscars red carpet, this immersive photography experience showcases the best red carpet fashion in slow-motion detail, with each guest choreographed to capture the finer details of their ensemble.
The 90s icon Shalom Harlow, famously spray-painted by robots in Alexander McQueen’s SS 1999 runway show, graced the runway in a black one-shoulder Versace gown topped with Tiffany & Co. jewellery.
Elsa Pataky turned heads in a custom-made Rebecca Vallance ensemble trimmed with white feathers and a stunning diamond jewellery set.
Model Charlee Fraser took command of the runway dressed in a marigold NGV Indigenous Fashion Commission gown. Featuring a sprawling train and an intricately woven bodice, Charlee’s stunning garment was designed by Yuwaalaraay creative and Maara Collective founder Julie Shaw.
Your Exclusive Sneak-Peek To The NGV Gala Night
As a sold-out, exclusive event, the highly-coveted NGV Gala Night was an event like no other.
The evening began with an exclusive viewing of the Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse exhibition, including exclusive insights into the collection and numerous photo opportunities against McQueen-inspired sets. Following the viewing, guests sat down to a 3-course meal along the NGV collection galleries, which were transformed and styled to reflect McQueen’s Scottish heritage.
The Gala wrapped up with a celebration of Gatsby-level luxury. The dancefloor held some of the biggest names in fashion and featured a Moët & Chandon champagne waterfall. To top off the festivities, the celebration included an exclusive live performance from Baker Boy and G-Flip.
Don’t miss your chance to step into the eclectic and masterful world of Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse. The exhibition will run until 16 April 2023, including NGV Friday Nights, Talks & Discussions, and Relaxed Sessions for a quieter gallery experience.
Images: Lucas Dawson Photography