Travel Blog

8 Mar

Extravagant Glamour: Art Deco Chic at MOV

Art Deco Chic exhibit at MOV. Photo: Dana Lynch

Last night, I attended the opening night party for the Museum of Vancouver’s (MOV) newest exhibition: Art Deco Chic: Extravagant Glamour Between the Wars. Not only did we get to be the first official visitors to see the new exhibit, it was a smashing party, too, complete with a packed house, visitors decked out in their own Art Deco garb, wine, food, and a live dance performance!

Of course, it was the Art Deco Chic exhibit itself that inspired the party, which is only natural since the exquisite garments on display seem to want a fabulous event to attend. (Even the day dresses are glamourous!) The exhibit brings together 66 items that epitomize Art Deco fashion, clothes and accessories from the 1920s – 1930s; most items come from the private collections of Guest Curators Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke, as well as MOV’s own extensive archive.

 

Art Deco Chic exhibit at MOV. Photo: Dana Lynch

Art Deco Chic brings to life the design and fashion of the Art Deco style, which began in Paris in the 1920s and quickly gained worldwide popularity; the style was a huge departure from previous designs and is particularly noted for its use of geometric shapes to evoke elegance and modernity.

Art Deco Chic exhibit at MOV. Photo: Dana Lynch

There are pieces in Art Deco Chic that directly pertain to Vancouver’s history. One such piece is an gorgeous, beaded black gown which was worn to the opening of the  Commodore Cabaret in 1929!

Dress worn to the opening of the Commodore Cabaret, on display at MOV’s Art Deco Chic. Photo: Dana Lynch

One of my favourite things about the opening night party—which encouraged attendees to wear their own Art Deco fashions—was seeing the incredible outfits worn by the guests!

Lynn Katey, Mari FitzGerald and Ilze Kalnins wear their own 1920s/30s fashions to MOV’s Opening NIght Party for Art Deco Chic. Photo: Dana Lynch

As a fashion and history lover, I love it when MOV combines the two. This exhibit—like their 2010 exhibit Fox, Fluevog Friends—is beautifully curated and bursting with charm. Visit on your own or try to hold out until April 5 for the first “Talk and Tour,” when you can see Art Deco Chic with Co-Curator Ivan Sayers.

MOV also has several Art Deco tie-ins coming this year, including a High Tea for Mother’s Day (May 12) and a fundraising Art Deco formal in June (details TBA).

Art Deco Chic: Extravagant Glamour Between the Wars is at MOV from March 8 – September 23, 2012.

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/03/08/extravagant-glamour-art-deco-chic-at-mov/