The colour black has long been recognised as having a unique role in New Zealand national identity. Think of the all-black uniforms of our sports teams and that icon of Kiwiana, the black singlet. Consider the ubiquity of black in our national fashion psyche. Our fashion is sometimes described as ‘dark’ and ‘gothic’ – a description that, rather than see as negative, we seem to embrace.

Curated by the New Zealand Fashion Museum,‘Black in Fashion’ is a free exhibition exploring the significance of black in the Kiwi cultural identity, from heritage to fashion to sport.

The exhibition features a range of New Zealand fashion objects and garments as well as narrative, photographic and film displays. There will be a series of evening and weekend events during the exhibition where guest speakers will explore, debate and entertain on wearing black in New Zealand.

The first exhibition to be held in Britomart’s brand-new Showcase exhibition space, ‘Black in Fashion’ is designed to appeal to male and female, old and young, sporty and arty alike.

The exhibition is part of the REAL New Zealand Festival, a nationwide celebration of heritage, culture and entertainment staged alongside the Rugby World Cup tournament.
 

Black in Fashion
Friday 9 September-Monday 24 October 2011

Showcase, 32 Galway Street, Britomart

Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
Sunday 10am to 5pm

FREE ENTRY