So much to consider re Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto at @ngvmelbourne. Surely a money spinner for the institution but like much of the fashion-adjacent exhibitions at the @bendigoartgallery, I have to repeatedly ask: where is the contextualisation? Well, nowhere. Engaging Tilda Swinton to create a rather vague audio “tour” was pure genius, if a slightly odd choice, but definitely enhanced the experience. She is certainly a great clothes horse but not generally associated with the House. Wayfinding, the bugbear of exhibition designers, was confusing but the last room certainly had the wow factor in spades. Personal highlights were the jewellery pieces (although frustratingly difficult to see in a crowded space) and the packaging of Chanel’s early fragrances and cosmetics. What a shame the room didn’t smell of her signature fragrance. #ngvchanel #nationalgalleryofvictoria #stkildaroad #melbourne #melbmoment (at National Gallery of Victoria) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccp6Xg0pN1b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=