News feed
It’s impossible not to draw comparisons to the New York event formerly known as Anna Wintour’s Costume Institute Gala. There were style industry stars, celebrities, fashion media heavy-weights, wealthy patrons and the occasional politician dressed to the nines to raise money for a creative institute that promotes clothes as art-forms.
But last night’s Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (aka MAAS) Ball, held at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum to launch its new permanent centre for fashion had one exquisitely unique feature: while the exhibition showcases pieces collected from around the world, including some current-day items donated by key sponsor duet Net-a-porter and Mr Porter, the sit-down dinner was an overarching celebration of Australia and its creative genius.
Many of the industry legends included in the new archive – Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Linda Jackson, Jenny Kee and Tony Maticevski to name just a few – were present at the inaugural gala MC’d by Sylvia Jeffreys and The Stenmark Twins.
The Honorable Julie Bishop, a long-time international advocate for the billion-dollar Australian fashion industry, spoke passionately (her dress: Rachel Gilbert), as did MAAS Director Dolla Merrillees (wearing Dion Lee), Mr Porter Style Director Olie Arnold (wearing Kingsman and IWC frrom Mr Porter), and co-chairs of the Australian Fashion Chamber, magazine editors Edwina McCann (Paolo Sebastian) and Kellie Hush.
After the two-course dinner held under a spectacular seven-metre diameter moon created by British artist Luke Jerram, guests were surprised by a guest performance by The Presets.
Actor and star of The Originals Pheobe Tonkin, model Cat McNeil, top German fashion blogger Leonie Hanne and excentric stylist and costume designer Catherine Baba were flown into Sydney by another key sponsor, Etihad Airways. (Other sponsors included IWC Schaffhausen watches, Bentley, Grey Goose, Moet & Chandon and Bird in Hand.)
“This museum is a treasure house filled with wonderful surprises.”
So said Jean Paul Gaultier of the Powerhouse during a visit in 2015. We couldn’t agree more – especially now the Centre for Fashion has opened. Do go visit next time you’re in the neighbourhood (500 Harris Street, Pyrmont) if you can.
GALLERY: THE MAAS BALL RED CARPET
Credit: Chloe Paul
