One of the most exciting fashion exhibitions to pop-up in Auckland this year 'At the Beach' opens to the public this Saturday at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. The exhibition was created by the New Zealand Fashion Museum and curated by its director Doris de Pont and Dianne Ludwig to celebrate summer fashion and the special relationship New Zealanders have with the beach.
An enthusiastic group of media, supporters and sponsors were welcomed to the Maritime Museum last night to preview the exhibition which is spread throughout the museum in clever installations that are integrated into the museum's existing exhibitions as well as having a dedicated 'At the Beach' section on the first floor. It's the biggest exhibition the New Zealand Fashion Museum has undertaken to date and compromises looks on 120 mannequins, many of whom are vintage much like the swimwear that adorns them.
The exhibition itself not only celebrates the evolution of swimwear in the past 100 years but also how being a coastal country has shaped our identity as New Zealanders. It explores the cultural changes that have happened in that time too and how we've gone from being very covered up to flaunting what we've got, and the stories that have come from so many summers at the beach. A great deal of research has gone into sourcing authentic beachwear for the exhibition and many of the anecdotes from the garment's owners also grace the walls of the exhibition giving it a personal feel.
It's certainly fascinating to see how much has changed and the amazing advancements in fabric and technology which make modern swimwear possible. Long gone are the days of heavy woollen bathers which were actually a drowning hazard due to how heavy they got when they were wet back in the early part of last century. We definitely have a lot to be grateful for now with swimwear that is so light, comfortable and for the most part pretty flattering. Although as you will see in the exhibition swimwear has certainly had some glamorous moments over the years, many of which are beautifully showcased.
As part of the exhibition there is also a special 'Curator walk' with Doris and Dianne from the NZFM this Sunday, October 18, at 2pm, as well as 'A Day at the Beach' which is going to transform the area around the NZ Maritime Museum into a beach-inspired celebration for the day on Sunday, October 25, from 10am – 4pm. Whether you're into fashion, history or are just curious to learn more about New Zealand's beach culture you won't want to miss 'At the Beach' which is on every day until February 8, 2016.
Images by Karen Ishiguro courtesy of the New Zealand Fashion Museum.