National Gallery of Victoria to showcase Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo exhibition this summer

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is set to present the Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition this summer, following the success of last year's Yayoi Kusama exhibition, which became the most visited art exhibition in Australian history. Opening in December, the exhibition will feature the works of renowned fashion designers Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo.

Westwood | Kawakubo will showcase over 140 designs by the two designers, including pieces from the NGV's collection as well as works from other prestigious institutions. The exhibition will explore the careers of Westwood and Kawakubo through five themes, highlighting their impact on the fashion industry.

Vivienne Westwood, known for her punk-inspired designs, challenged conventional femininity and gender ideals. Rei Kawakubo, on the other hand, created shapeless and androgynous clothing, redefining the concept of fashion. The exhibition aims to celebrate the designers' unique approaches to clothing and their influence on the industry.

NGV's curator of fashion and textiles, Dani Whitfield, emphasizes the importance of showcasing these designers in a gallery setting to provide historical and cultural context to their work. Westwood | Kawakubo will be on display at NGV International from December 7 to April 19.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.