MELBOURNE.- As close neighbors, Australia and New Zealand share common fashion ground. Opening October 1, the National Gallery of Victoria will showcase eight independent fashion labels from the two countries in Together Alone: Australian and New Zealand Fashion.

Featuring over 40 works from the NGV Collection and a number of key loans, this exhibition will bring together a selection of designs spanning the last decade.

Together Alone will feature Australian labels Akira, MaterialByProduct, Romance Was Born, and Toni Maticevski, which will be on display alongside New Zealand labels Doris de Pont, Nom*D, World and Zambesi.

Katie Somerville, Curator, Australian Fashion & Textiles, NGV said that this exhibition will highlight the dynamic practices of the eight leading labels.

“This exhibition explores the sources of inspiration that lie at the heart of the designers’ works. As regional identities in a global fashion system, these designers have received international recognition for their distinctive and original approaches and we are thrilled to be able to present their work at the NGV,” said Ms. Somerville.

The works on display will range from the fluid classical design of Toni Maticevski’s Dali Goddess evening dress to the flamboyant menswear creations by World including the Sanderson suit and the Survival and Atomic Bombing suit from their I can’t Play Sports but I Can High Jump collection.

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: “Together Alone will draw on the NGV’s recent acquisitions of contemporary fashion straight off the catwalk from both Australia and New Zealand. The designs in this exhibition will delight visitors providing a wonderful insight into the fashion and textiles collection at the NGV.”

Together Alone: Australian and New Zealand Fashion will be on display in the Myer Fashion & Textiles Gallery at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square from October 1, 2009 to April 18, 2010.