Jury comment
This exhibition is an absolute triumph for the Alexander McQueen brand, which has been successfully transformed into a physical manifestation. Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse is an orchestrated moment in time that feels thrilling, experimental and like a true intersection of fashion, architecture and theatre colliding. There’s a strong focus on figurative curation and vivid imagination, and the jury commended the project for its contribution to Melbourne design culture. One of the most convincing things about this installation is that it is very specific to the subject of the exhibition, which makes for a holistic composition and experience. Its other strengths are the sequencing of spaces, a different array of treatments and the overall juxtaposition between contrasting light and materiality that serves to frame each of the pieces on show.
Design statement
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse celebrates the conceptual and technical virtuosity of fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, offering insight into his creative processes and far-reaching sources of inspiration. The design showcases over 120 garments and accessories alongside displays of over 80 artworks that together help illuminate the interdisciplinary impulse that defined McQueen’s career.
Where possible, the design utilizes many of the existing interior walls from the previous major exhibition, thereby reducing deconstruction and material wastage. In addition, the design makes use of existing cases, flooring, joinery and materials. New design elements are introduced in consideration of future programs, exhibitions and events. In the Technique and Innovation section, new modular aluminium plinths were designed with future projects in mind; and a low-carbon, 100% recyclable material made from upcycled packaging was installed to ensure future reuse.
Hi-fi and lo-fi design techniques create a unique experience – from the peppers ghost illusion technique to give video a 3D effect, to large-scale graphic wallpapers and flooring, video, light-and-shadow play and sound effects.
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse is located in Melbourne, Victoria, on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin.
Project credits
Design practice — National Gallery of Victoria
Project team — Ingrid Rhule
The Award for Installation Design is supported by LightCo. The Australian Interior Design Awards are presented by the Design Institute of Australia and Artichoke magazine. For more images of this project, see the Australian Interior Design Awards gallery.
