Haute Couture in Ancient Greece: The Spectacular Costumes of Ariadne & Helen of Troy at the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne, will bring to life the magnificent costumes worn by Minoans and Mycenaeans of Bronze Age Greece ca. 2000 to 1200 BC.
The unique exhibition that will open on March 2, 2018, will present costumes and dresses from the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations based on archaeological findings.
The garments are recreated by Dr Bernice Jones, whose meticulous analysis of the textiles is represented in sculptures and wall paintings of the period.
The exhibition launch party will include a special runway event with models displaying the Minoan and Mycenaean garments, presenting the full effect of the multifaceted nature of the works.
The runway event will be accompanied by a projection installation of frescoes, and an explanation of the clothes, their history, design and manufacture.
The event will be followed by an ancient-inspired cocktail party, and preview of the exhibition, along with champagne, wine and beer from Greece.
The exhibition also offers explanatory drawings of the construction of the garments and hand-woven linen samples of the garments’ cloth patterns, bands and trim.
Aegean garments and textiles have been among the least understood among the major artistic achievements of the Minoan civilisation and the exhibition illuminates every aspect of Aegean costumes.