Paris-based Australian fashion designer Martin Grant, renowned for his timeless elegance and impeccable tailoring, is set to be celebrated in his first major career retrospective. Opening at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in March 2025, Martin Grant will showcase nearly 100 works, including iconic designs worn by global icons like Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Naomi Campbell.
The exhibition traces Grant’s four-decade career, from his early days in Melbourne’s vibrant 1980s fashion scene to his rise as a Parisian couturier.
Highlights include his dramatic eveningwear and ballgowns, displayed on invisible mannequins to create the illusion of floating garments.
Visitors will also see his signature outerwear, such as the iconic leather Napolean coat and the red wool Joan of Arc dress, alongside rarely seen early designs like his architectural slash-back linen dress.
Grant’s creative process, which begins with fabric rather than sketches, is revealed through sketches, photographs, and runway footage. The exhibition also features collaborations with leading photographers, including Sarah Moon, whose dreamlike images capture the essence of Grant’s work.
Martin Grant offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a designer who has redefined modern elegance. Don’t miss this celebration of a true fashion visionary.
Martin Grant will be on display from 28 March 2025 – 26 Jan 2026 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square, Melbourne. Entry fees apply. Tickets and information are available via the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
