The Allan Labor Government is bringing a world-premiere summer blockbuster to the NGV, showcasing two of fashion’s most influential and rule-breaking designers in an exclusive Melbourne exhibition.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined NGV Director Tony Ellwood to preview Westwood | Kawakubo, opening 7 December and featuring the boundary-pushing work of British designer Vivienne Westwood and Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo.
Secured by the Labor Government, the exhibition brings together nearly 150 works from the NGV Collection, major loans from international museums and private archives, and more than 40 recent Comme des Garçons pieces newly gifted to the NGV.
Both Westwood and Kawakubo – entirely self-taught – transformed global fashion by challenging conventions of taste, gender, beauty and the very form and function of clothing.
Families will also be able to enjoy a free NGV kids exhibition, Let’s Party: NGV Fashion for Kids, which showcases garments from the NGV Fashion and Textile Collection and invites children to design their own outfits and step into the role of fashion photographer.
The exhibition adds to a massive summer of major events across Victoria, including Rory McIlroy at the Australian Open Golf, the Boxing Day Ashes Test, the Australian Open tennis, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Good Charlotte in Bendigo and the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Westwood | Kawakubo runs at NGV International from 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026. Tickets and information are available at www.ngv.vic.gov.au