Mannequin.

Today I made the delightful trip to Como House in South Yarra, for their current exhibition 'Mannequin - Models, Melbourne, Fashion in the 1950's-1960's'. It was ridiculously interesting - the rich history of Melbourne's fashion and the foray into modelling is quite extensive. 

Back then, the girls had it tough. There was no such thing as stylists or make-up artists: they did the whole shebang themselves, often without even knowing what they were expected to do that day. As a result, they would run around everywhere with their heavy brown model cases - great big things containing all their hair and make-up tools, a number of different outfits, several pairs of shoes and probably some extra wraps and an umbrella for unexpected Melbourne weather. No wonder the first Australian models were considered the cream of the crop - tall, tanned and super fit. All up and down Flinders St, as that's where all the early Melbourne fashion action was.

But they were so beautiful and glamourous, not to mention clever. They had to know everything - how to elongate the leg, narrow the hip and look super slim, constantly working to create an illusion for the camera. And the photographers - so talented and creative with the tools they had. To produce the work they did took huge amounts of skill. Imagine if we could learn from them today! On the way to East Richmond on the train this morning, I sat next to a girl who is currently completing a three year course in Photography. There are no components regarding film or dark room processing at all... how sad that all of those skills are becoming non-existent and irrelevant with the introduction of newer technology. It should still be available as a separate hobby! I want to learn. I'll probably have to make friends with a little old person who still has the knowledge - you can't learn those things in college anymore.

I would recommend the exhibition if you are currently in Melbourne. It only costs $12 and is showing til the 3rd of July. Go here for more details. Also of interest are the extra workshops they are running in cohesion with the exhibition - though many are sold out. Details are on the site! Let me know if you go - I'm interested to hear if you liked it. Don't forget to have a coffee and a bite to eat at the Cafe Bursaria onsite: amazing food and delightful service!