The Victoria & Albert Museum’s highly successful Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition has been secured exclusively in Australia by Bendigo Art Gallery.
Opening in Bendigo in March 2012 the exhibition – which recently closed in London and is touring internationally – attracted crowds in the UK of more than 200,000 (exceeding attendances for The Golden Age of Couture exhibition).
Featuring spectacular film costumes such as those worn by Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, haute couture gowns from Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Givenchy and meticulously-tailored suits and American casual wear, the exhibition will explore the development and cultivation of Grace Kelly’s style, influence and transformation from Hollywood actress to princess.
Director of Bendigo Art Gallery Karen Quinlan said “We are thrilled to be able to introduce an Australian audience to this unrivalled wardrobe, and chart Grace Kelly’s unique influence on twentieth century fashion. We are also very pleased to include Grace Kelly: Style Icon in our program, consolidating 12 months of exhibitions focusing on significant international fashion and design, beginning with the White Wedding Dress world-premiere in August 2011.”
The Honorary Consul to Monaco Andrew Cannon said “When Princess Grace died the family received more letters of condolence from Australia than any other country. Prince Albert has a great love of this country, and with his support we have been able to bring this fantastic exhibition to Australia. I personally am looking forward to supporting the Gallery in its endeavours to provide an insight into the style and beauty of Princess Grace of Monaco.”
A range of glamorous special events will be developed in association with the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) to coincide with the exhibition. LMFF Chairman Laura Anderson said “The L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival is honoured to have supported Bendigo Art Gallery in bringing this exhibition to Victoria. This world-class exhibition will form an integral component of the 2012 fashion calendar, and we are sure it will be a source of learning and inspiration.”
Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu congratulated all those who had worked hard to secure this outstanding exhibition. ‘Securing this exhibition, which will showcase the style and panache of Grace Kelly to Australian audiences, is a great result and another example of Bendigo Art Gallery punching well above its weight,” Mr Baillieu said. “The Victorian Government is proud to support this exhibition with a $160,000 grant, which will complement the tenacity and vision of the many individuals and organisations who helped make this exhibition a reality.”
This exceptional exhibition comprising more than 100 items including dresses and accessories will be showcased in four of the gallery’s main spaces. This will be the last major temporary exhibition before the much anticipated $7.55 million redevelopment of Bendigo Art Gallery, with building works expected to commence in mid 2012.
Grace Kelly: Style Icon is curated and organised by the V&A Museum, London and the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco. The exhibition will run from 11 March 2012 – 17 June 2012.
Visit www.gracekellybendigo.com
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Image Credits:
This page image: Various Grace Kelly. © Everett Collection / Rex Features.
Home page image: Grace Kelly, 1953 (detail). © Everett Collection / Rex Features.