Yesterday I ventured to Bendigo to see the 'The White Wedding Dress' exhibition, held at the Bendigo Art Gallery. This exhibition is billed as "the most romantic, glamorous and extravagant wedding dresses from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s superb collection" but I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. I guess it's because there were only a couple of dresses from the 30s & 40s and not much from the 50s either, well nothing that really made me go "Wow!" anyway.
Sadly the gallery does not allow photography and despite disapproving looks from many of the older women in the room, I couldn't help myself. The low lighting was a bit of an issue, plus I had to be subtle and sneaky so as not to get caught, but here are some of the better photos I managed to snap.
The above, mid 30s silk satin dress by Charles James is a masterpiece of construction. With no centre front seam, all the bodice shaping is done by two darts running from the underside of the bust down to the top of the hip bone. There is also a triangular panel which tapers down to the tailbone, pulling the bodice flat across the waist front. It is absolutely stunning in its simplicity. And just look at the split train! It would have looked like two banners unfurling behind the bride as she walked down the aisle. This dress was one of my favourites. As was the gorgeous ruby red 40s wedding dress below. It's such a shame my camera couldn't capture the true depth of the colour.
Gwen Stefani's John Galliano designed wedding dress was so pretty with its spray painted blush, but it wasn't anywhere near as poofy as it appeared in the photos. And to be honest, I have no interest what so ever in the suit worn by the groom, Gavin Rossdale, I was there to see the dresses. One random thing I noticed about this piece: the Dior label on the inside sole of Gwen's shoes was worn and a little grotty, they looked as though she may actually have had them on her feet. Unlike the pair Dita Von Teese 'wore' for her wedding to Marilyn Manson.
is showing at the Bendigo Art Gallery until the 6th November.
- Tamara
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