Abstract
A stunning exhibition of garments and accessories which highlight the artistic dimension of the brand NOM*d. NOM*d has particular connections to international 'conceptual fashion' over the past decade with an infusion of Dunedin sub-culture; - streetwise, intellectual, de-constructivist - a re-appropriation of period styles and fabrics, giving the label its unique and timeless vibe. This ethos also alludes to connections in the two accompanying exhibitions.
Since its inception, wherever possible, NOM*d have continued to use local materials and kept their manufacturing in New Zealand. Early connections to Roslyn Woollen Mills in Dunedin created opportunities for a more exclusive knitwear range than was generally available at the time.
The exhibition focuses on a decade of contemporary design practice from the label, with particular curatorial emphasis on some of the 'concept pieces' of this period. In many ways they echo the brooding 'landscape of unease' in NZ art history from van der Velden to McCahon and Hotere.
NOM*d Concept and NOM*d Noir are the two thematic groupings in the exhibition of over 70 design items which includes memorabilia from the Robertson's private collection called 'memory boxes' accompanying the exhibition. All garments are from Margarita Robertson's personal archive.
Prof. Hilary Radner of Otago University has been key to initiating the exhibition. Her co-curator Dr.Natalie Smith's PhD thesis has focussed on the roles and relationships between art and fashion since 1980, and the emergence of conceptual couture.
New World concepts of fashion, as opposed to the Eurocentric divisions of haute couture and prêt-a- porter. An egalitarian fashion in which New Zealand and NOM*d treads their own runway!