From pink tasselled capes to catwalk footage, to how identity and politics are inextricably woven through the garments we wear, the title of the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) latest exhibition says it all: Africa Fashion.
With collections borrowed from the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London, the NGV is showing the largest exhibition of African fashion in Australia to date. Yes, it is about the clothes—but it begins with the African independence movement and the mid-20th century cultural renaissance, exploring how revolutionary ideas influence culture and fashion through designers like Alphadi and Näma Bennis.
Africa Fashion also extends to current creators, with over 200 pieces from 20 countries and regions on the continent. Alongside exploring the effects of digitalisation and celebrity culture, the show threads together stylists and photographers working from Africa today, featuring everything from sketches to adornment to ready-to-wear garments, with exhibitors including Maxhosa, Loza Maléombho, Christie Brown and Rich Mnisi.
View, in pictures, how every stitch tells a story.
Imane Ayissi, Paris, France, Mbeuk Idourrou collection, Autumn/Winter 2019. Photo: Fabrice Malard. Courtesy of Imane Ayissi.
Design by Chris Seydou © Nabil Zorkot
Alchemy collection, Thebe Magugu, Johannesburg, South Africa, Autumn/Winter 2021 Photography: Tatenda Chidora Styling + Set: Chloe Andrea Welgemoed Model: Sio.
IAMISIGO, Kenya, Chasing Evil collection, Autumn/Winter 2020 Photo: Maganga Mwagogo Courtesy IAMISIGO
Atong Atem Adut and Bigoa 2015, 2019 printed from the Studio series 2015 digital type C print, ed. 2/10 84.1 x 59.4 cm (image) 91.5 x 63.6 cm (sheet) National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2019 © Atong Atem, courtesy Mars Gallery, Melbourne
Africa Fashion
National Gallery of Victoria
On now—6 October
This article was originally published in the July/August 2024 print edition of Art Guide Australia.
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