What to Wear to the Opening of an Art Exhibition
As Archibald season looms, the perennial question of "what do I wear?" to art exhibitions and openings weaves its way into the minds of artists and industry enthusiasts alike. But fret not, for Oh Yes Her emerges as your sartorial muse, ready to guide you in curating an ensemble that rivals the strokes of a master painter—where fashion becomes an art form in itself.
ALL-BLACK
Channelling the timeless elegance of arts professionals, the allure of an all-black ensemble remains ever-present. Like a blank canvas, black provides the perfect backdrop, allowing the art to shine, while exuding an understated chicness. Let artworks speak volumes while your attire becomes the epitome of minimalist sophistication. Just like the subjects in Marcus Wills' portrait, Jack and Nikki, all black is always in fashion, and can be dressed up or down depending on your individual style.
NEON GIRL
For those seeking a bolder statement, embrace the neon trend that echoes the vibrant palettes of this year's Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prize finalists. Capture the essence of Joan Ross's, Possession, imagine if they cared, with pops of neon yellow, or Amber Hammad’s, Once upon a time in loveland, with a bright palette or bejewelled colours. Or try patterned brights as seen on Katharine Murphy with her intricate bolero jacket, painted by Judith Sinnamon. Infuse your ensemble with an electrifying energy that pays homage to these captivating artworks and you'll be sure to stand out from the art crowd.
RETRO VIBES
Delve into the world of vintage and retro, drawing inspiration from the likes of artistic duo Jamie Preisz and Alex Pratt. Jamie burst onto the scene with his Packing Room Prize winning portrait of Jimmy Barnes titled, Jimmy (title fight) in 2018, and ever since, these two have become the fashion darlings of the art scene. Embrace the joy of upcycling and reimagine timeless pieces, allowing your ensemble to tell a story of creativity, sustainability, and artistic flair. Unleash your inner bohemian spirit like Jamie and Alex with nostalgic touches that celebrate the charm of yesteryears.
ALL-PINK
Take a cue from the fashion-forward sitters of this year's Archibald Prize and let your favorite artwork be your guide. Pay homage to Andrea Huelins's depiction of Cal Wilson in Clown Jewels, with a pink puffer jacket and playful colour blocking. Emulate Ramesh Nithiyendran's vibrant presence in Kirthana Selvaraj's, Ramesh and the blue figure with snake, with an all-pink matching ensemble. Or a pink patterned lunch dress like Nanna Mara in Tsering Hannaford's thoughtful portrait. Either way, all pink is so hot right now, and you'll be sure to match one of the artworks in your ensemble!
Go on, immerse yourself in the world of artistic expression, where fashion and art intertwine. No matter what you decide to wear, always remember that your individual creativity is what sets you apart. Be bold and don’t be afraid to express yourself, especially when it comes to the art set. This lot know how to stand out from the crowd, and it’s up to you to decide if you’ll be more Kahlo or more Cassatt.
Written by Joey Hespe & Becky Smouha for Oh Yes Her