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In the heart of Melbourne—where cobblestone laneways collide with contemporary art and culture pulses vibrantly through every cafe and gallery—a prodigal son returns. Australian fashion icon Martin Grant, whose sharp, sculptural designs have graced global runways and dressed some of the world’s most luminous stars, is coming home. And this time, he’s bringing the essence of his Paris atelier straight into Melbourne’s iconic Ian Potter Centre at the NGV Australia.
From March 28, 2025, Melburnians and visitors alike will have the extraordinary chance to experience Grant’s remarkable four-decade journey through fashion, captured in his first-ever major retrospective exhibition. This immersive showcase is more than just clothing—it’s a celebration of a life dedicated to the artistry of fashion, where each garment tells a story shaped by meticulous tailoring, graceful draping, and an architectural eye for form. Martin Grant's name is synonymous with elegance. Cate Blanchett’s ethereal presence, Naomi Campbell’s legendary stride, and Lady Gaga’s iconic silhouettes have all been elevated by Grant’s designs, characterised by what André Leon Talley famously described as “precise, sharp, and full of grace” with a "couture vocabulary." Yet, behind this international acclaim lies a story deeply rooted in Melbourne’s own thriving creative pulse.
Grant began his journey right here in Melbourne’s vibrant independent fashion scene during the innovative days of the Fashion Design Council parades in the 1980s. Now, his return signifies a poignant moment of reflection and inspiration. As Grant himself beautifully puts it:
“To have my design career represented in this exhibition in Melbourne, the city of my birth, is a true privilege and an honour.”
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Curated in close collaboration with Grant, the exhibition features over 140 exquisite pieces, including signature creations like the striking red wool Joan of Arc dress worn by Cate Blanchett and the iconic leather Napoleon coat donned by Naomi Campbell. Presented on stunning invisible mannequins, Grant’s ballgowns appear suspended in mid-air, a mesmerising spectacle that perfectly captures his mastery of structure, volume, and draping. Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, captures the spirit of the event: “Martin Grant is a self-taught, Melbourne-born designer who has truly captured the attention of the international fashion world. He approaches fashion with a sculptor’s eye, creating garments that have a direct formal relationship to the body.”
Beyond the clothing itself, the exhibition provides a rare glimpse into Grant’s creative process—drawing visitors into the intimate world of fabric manipulation, meticulous sketches, and captivating runway footage. It’s an authentic exploration of how Grant translates imagination into timeless fashion statements.Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks recognises the cultural significance of this homecoming: “This exhibition continues NGV’s tradition of spectacular fashion exhibitions, celebrating a Melbourne-born global design leader who has dressed the biggest stars in the world.”
Ultimately, this retrospective is more than a celebration—it’s a reunion. A chance for Melbourne to embrace one of its own and rediscover the threads that bind the city’s dynamic cultural identity to the international stage. Martin Grant’s fashion doesn’t just adorn—it inspires, narrates, and empowers.
Welcome home, Martin. Martin Grant's retrospective will be on display from 28 March 2025 to 26 January 2026 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square, Melbourne. Tickets and further information are available via the NGV website: ngv.vic.gov.au
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