Celebrating the opening of Martin Grant, showcasing the work of Australian-born, Paris-based fashion designer Martin Grant, the designer joins us in Melbourne to reflect on his creative journey from the 1980s to today, in conversation with Katie Somerville, Senior Curator, Fashion & Textiles, NGV.
About the exhibition
Spanning over four decades of his career, the exhibition includes designs from the mid-1980s in Melbourne, through the early 1990s when Grant re-established his eponymous label in Paris, to his most recent collections. Conceived in close collaboration with the designer, the show draws from the NGV Collection, including many pieces donated by the designer from his personal archive, offering an intimate look into his creative journey and the evolution of his iconic designs.
Martin Grant began his career as a young fashion designer in Melbourne in the mid-1980s. He was part of a thriving independent fashion scene and an active participant in the Fashion Design Council parades, which were known for their innovative approach to the presentation of contemporary Australian fashion. After six years of successfully running his own fashion label in Melbourne, Grant formally undertook studies in sculpture at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Travelling to the United Kingdom in 1990, Grant then worked for two London-based fashion houses before making the decision to move to Paris. In 1992, Grant re-established his fashion label and four years later opened his own boutique in the Marais district. In 2003 Grant was invited to join Barney’s New York’s as Artistic Director of the Barney’s Private Label, a tenure he held for 10-years and in 2014 he designed uniforms for Qantas. Grant’s recent collections, address industry excess, seeing him revisiting his archives and focusing on not only designing but problem-solving.
Access
Everyone is welcome at the NGV. We offer a range of accessible resources, facilities, and events. For information, visit our Access webpage or contact us via email at programs@ngv.vic.gov.au or phone; 8620 2222 between 9am-5pm.
Auslan interpretation available on request. Please email your request to programs@ngv.vic.gov.au, allowing a minimum of one week’s notice.