The Shrine of Remembrance on Melbourne’s Birdwood Avenue is hosting a brand new fashion exhibition. Trenches to Runway: Military Influences on Popular Fashion explores the rich connections between the military uniforms that once graced the battlefield and the many well-known fashion staples we embrace today.
The exhibition aims to give visitors an unexpected history lesson, drawing on examples from the 1870s right through to the current day. You’ll encounter prototypical fashion pieces that showcase the profound influence of military clothing design and wartime conditions on innovations in the fashion sphere. You’ll also learn about the ways military uniforms have been reinterpreted through popular culture, revealing a hidden narrative behind our everyday attire.
Exhibition curator Kate Spinks-Colas points out that the influence of military uniforms on our everyday fashions can be seen even in the smallest details. “For example, the D-rings on the belt of a trench coat were originally included so that military officers could hang equipment from them”, she says.
“Similarly, the zip-front feature of the bomber jacket was the result of fighter pilots requiring a fast and efficient way to dress in the heat of battle – no one had time to stand around buttoning up their life-saving uniform.”
Alongside being Melbourne’s home of commemoration, the Shrine hosts an ever-changing exhibition program exploring different facets of history and culture. This particular exhibition is free and open to the public from 10am-5pm daily. Find out more at the website.