Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists and Atelier: Viktor&Rolf for Kids - Review
Yesterday, we were honoured to attend the media preview of Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists and Atelier: Viktor&Rolf for Kids at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne. The NGV and its team never ceases to amaze me how a simple building and its art installations can bring such beauty and inspiration to visitors. Every time I enter the NGV, I am filled with the same emotions. Thank you to Tina Giorgio photography, our photographers on the day for capturing the beauty that is the NGV and the Viktor&Rolf installations.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
Viktor and Rolf met in 1993, the second week into their fashion studies and have been inseparable since. The duo work in sync and complement each other so well in their rebellious yet stunning wearable art fashion, catwalk pieces, perfume and ready-to-wear fashion.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
Throughout the interview by guest curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot, you couldn't help but feel connected to this humble duo. They were so modest in their discussions about their career and inspirations and how some collections reflected their thoughts at the time of the designs.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
When asked if they had a few words of encouragement for the next generation of fashion artists, Viktor & Rolf suggested fashion students should try to be true to themselves, be different and do something that no one else has done. Some simple words that can somewhat be hard to follow given current fashion trends and especially in the social media world we live in today but their success is a true testament to their individual yet somewhat often described extravagant style.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
The Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists exhibition features over 40 haute couture pieces from the designers’ collections, presented alongside earlier designs from the Viktor & Rolf archive and international museum collections. The exhibition also features 21 exquisite dolls with each doll symbolising a collection.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
We loved the main room filled with stunning pieces and decorated with a unique wallpaper filled with sketches from the pair. The exhibition is a kid friendly space and I encourage parents to visit it with their little ones. The first room is dark and has quiet music that may not appeal to some, the second room is filled with colourful pieces whereas the third room with catwalk videos and a quirky surprise at the end. Sure little hands should stay off the garments but it is nonetheless a fantastic exhibition for kids to enjoy.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
With every new NGV major exhibition comes an amazing kids installation. Atelier: Viktor&Rolf for Kids is just that! Just like a true fashion artist, children have their own beautifully style crisp white and contrasting black atelier setup around the stunning wedding dress of the royal Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau designed by Viktor&Rolf in 2004. This beautiful dress is an inspirational piece in this room filled with creative vibes.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
The stunning dress bares 200 hand-sewn bows and is currently on loan to the NGV during the exhibition.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
Children are invited to use a variety of materials including strands of raffia and white crepe paper in hands-on activities inspired by Viktor & Rolf's design codes which include collars, bows and elaborate ruffles.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
Kids are then invited to strike a pose in three black and white themed diorama rooms which reflect the motifs of Viktor and Rolf's works. A harlequin-themed space featuring contrasting elements and shapes, a room which reflects the designer’s fascination with flowers and a fairytale forest backdrop that pays homage to Viktor & Rolf’s love of fantasy.
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
This free installation is heaven for little fashionistas boys included! We love it!
Photo credit: Our photographer Tina Giorgio Photography
A cute activity drawing book Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists, A Drawing Book for Kids was also created to coincide with this beautifully styled kids installation. Readers are guided by Viktor & Rolf’s pet dachshund, Little Swan, and learn about the designers’ creative vision and spectacular fashion collections and can create their own creative fashion designs and illustrations using the book.
For more ideas of what to do with the kids in Melbourne, checkout our Daily Spots List, CBD Spots or Blog.