Alexander McQueen’s runways were an immersive experience combining fashion, music and performance. In an exclusive after-hours event, the NGV will screen McQueen’s Autumn-Winter 2006 Widows of Culloden runway show, followed by a conversation with John Matheson, UK-based archivist and owner of the Instagram account @McQueen_Vault joining live via video link.
Hosted by NGV curators Katie Somerville and Danielle Whitfield, the evening includes an opportunity to view Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse from 5.30–7pm.
Exhibition Viewing
5.30–7pm
Runway Screening & Conversation
7–8pm
Speakers
John Matheson is a London based British-American archivist, consultant, and lecturer. A corporate talent development executive, in his spare time John explores his personal 26-year-old garment and ephemera library of Lee Alexander McQueen through the Instagram account @McQueen_Vault. His account has been named by Vogue, Elle, Love Magazine, and Dazed as one of the best Fashion Archive Accounts to follow. Profiles of his archival work have also been featured by Another Magazine, Dazed, CR Magazine and Nick Knight’s SHOWStudio. He also works as a topical expert consulting for private clients, museums, and global institutions. John has connected with many McQueen friends, family members, and colleagues and created a worldwide network to authentically preserve the McQueen legacy.
Katie Somerville is Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). She has worked with a range of fashion and textiles collections for close to three decades, including at the National Gallery of Australia and Historic Houses Trust of NSW. During her time at the NGV she has curated and co-curated numerous exhibitions including Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse (2022), The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture (2017), Making the Australian Quilt: 1800–1950 (2016), Express Yourself: Romance Was Born for Kids (2014–15), Martin Grant, Paris (2005–06) and Akira Isogawa: Printemps-Été (2004–05).
Danielle Whitfield is Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Since joining the NGV Danielle has curated numerous exhibitions and spoken and published widely on the history of Australian and international fashion. Recent projects and scholarly contributions include Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse (2022), Collecting Comme (2019), The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift (2019) and The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture (2017).
