‘Conceiving fashion – as a vision and a stage’ is a workshop that engages two particular films, which provide a unique glimpse into the creative flair and innovation behind the world-famous MET Gala fashion exhibition in New York; and the life’s work of British fashion designer, Lee Alexander McQueen. The films ‘The First Monday in May’ and ‘McQueen’ will be shared, followed by reflective discussion with curator, Dolla S.Merrillees. This workshop aims to give deeper context to this industry’s history and context, to demonstrate the tenacity and commitment behind lead designers and cultural institutions as they forge their own signature style, business acumen and influence.
This workshop is organized by The Factory, with the generous support of RMIT. It responds to the exhibition ‘Thủy Nguyễn – An Everyday Dream’, curated by Dolla S. Merrillees, on view at The Factory until 6 February 2021. Known and recognized for her multidisciplinary creative practice, entrepreneurship and distinct aesthetic, Thủy Nguyễn is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated designers and a leader in Vietnam’s emerging and rapidly growing fashion industry.
*Dolla S.Merrillees lives and works in the UK. She will thus facilitate this workshop via ZOOM (online).
Film synopsis:
The First Monday in May 2016 (1 hr 30mins)
Directed by Andrew Rossi, The First Monday in May takes an unprecedented look behind the scenes of two of New York’s premier cultural events, the creation of “China: Through The Looking Glass,” the most attended fashion exhibition in the history of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and the 2015 Met Gala, the star-studded fundraiser. Follow Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and Met Gala chair) and Andrew Bolton (the curator who conceived this groundbreaking show) as they prepare for an unforgettable evening.
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McQueen 2018 (1 hr 51 mins)
McQueen takes a look at the extraordinary life, career and artistry of anti establishment fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen. Co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, it divides his life into chapters or “tapes” titled after his most iconic collections. Through exclusive interviews with his closest friends and family, recovered archives, visuals and music, McQueen is an authentic celebration and touching portrait of an inspired yet complex fashion visionary.
*Image courtesy of Bleecker Street.
Noted:
- Please wear face mask and register with security at the main gate entrance in order to enter campus. Thank you for your cooperation with these COVID regulations!
- Limited parking available
- Films are in English only and breaks for refreshment will be arranged in between screenings.
