The National Gallery of Victoria showcases nearly 100 pieces from renowned Australian designer Martin Grant, highlighting his journey and artistic evolution.
A significant retrospective exhibition is currently taking place at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, showcasing the extensive body of work by renowned Australian fashion designer Martin Grant. The exhibition, which features nearly 100 pieces from Grant’s career, offers a deep dive into his artistic evolution from his early childhood influences to his status as a global fashion icon.
Born in Blackburn, Melbourne, Grant’s journey into the world of fashion started at an early age due to the influence of his stylish mother and a seamstress grandmother. “I spent a lot of time with her and just watching her work and learnt sewing at a very early age,” Grant shared, speaking to the Australian Associated Press (AAP). He noted that his upbringing encouraged creativity, leading him to draw and create from a young age.
The exhibition highlights Grant’s reinterpretation of wardrobe classics and showcases works dating back to the mid-1980s. It includes a stunning display of floating monochromatic ball gowns, propped up by invisible mannequins, which exemplify his signature style known for its precise, sharp, and clean silhouettes. “I’m surprised about the diversity of the work that I’ve done over the years because I have in mind the classics that I do, which are tailored coats and tailored suits, but actually, there’s a lot more to it than that,” he remarked, emphasizing the breadth of his creations.
Tony Ellwood, the director of NGV, has praised Grant as one of Australia’s leading fashion figures, expressing pride in exhibiting what he referred to as the largest and richest collection of Grant’s work. The designer’s clientele includes a list of high-profile names, such as Cate Blanchett, Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, Emma Stone, Rebel Wilson, and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. “They’re intelligent and often very strong, interesting women, and so that’s always been really interesting and that inspires me,” Grant noted regarding his relationships with the influential women who wear his designs.
Throughout his career, Grant has displayed his creations on international runways and has had his work featured prominently in major fashion publications. His designs have made appearances in varied settings, notably including Lady Gaga wearing one of his pieces in a Las Vegas club. Grant’s extensive experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on design, making it easier for him to connect with women of diverse personalities.
Although he has resided in Paris for the last three decades, this exhibition marked a return to his roots in Melbourne, which he finds a natural and sentimental experience. Janet Whiting, president of the NGV Council of Trustees, referred to the exhibition as an homage to Grant’s remarkable artistry. “All I can say is, for all the women, once you’ve seen this exhibition, there’s no excuse to ever say again, ‘I don’t have anything to wear’,” she said.
The Martin Grant retrospective not only reflects on the designer’s illustrious career but also serves as an essential chapter in the narrative of Australian fashion, celebrating the artistry and creativity that have defined his work over the decades.
Source: Noah Wire Services
