Melbourne’s – NGV GALA 2019, by Marisa Ferraro

The annual National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Gala, held on Saturday, November 30^th can be viewed upon as our answer to the Met Gala of New York.  The NGV in Melbourne, boasted the most revered event this year on the city’s social calendar, bringing the who’s who from our creative industry and social elite to grace the pink carpet for the extravaganza.  This year Melbourne’s treasured gallery transformed itself into darkness, illuminated by disco mirrored balls, colour and spectacular glam as a backdrop to showcase its latest exhibition of Keith Haring and Jean Michael Basquiat bringing all of the 80’s pop culture theme to life.

Lights, décor, music, roaming Gin & tonic and Champagne for the most discerning drinker were aplenty, as you see many beautifully draped gowns floating around the room. Handsome black tied gentlemen most definitely need the honorable mention here also. Walking into the NGV certainly transported you to another place, as many flocked to the winding rooms of the gallery to see the exhibition. Eclectic graffiti street art became a phenomenon in a time of punk rock, funk, electro-rock, and rap were taking hold on the New York scene. A time that defied that time and has been embedded in popular culture.  Rooms filled with artist expression, curated so strategically that one can’t help but stop and stare. 

Amongst the glitz and glamour and lavish bar lounges, people mingled and danced, and guests were treated to shows including a dance to ‘Vogue’ by 80’s queen of pop Madonna and then a live performance by International guests, duo Salt N Pepa. Flashbacks of youth gone by was present in everyone as all guests danced and sang to hit after hit. A really great performance that gave guests a memorable experience, making it the highlight of the evening. It is not every day that one gets transported and taken to an evening like no other. From couture gowns fit for a queen to high-end designers and fashion set, just like the Oscars and the Met Gala, the pink-carpet arrival was one of anticipation and seeing who wore what.

This annual event is one that the NGV will hopefully continue to pride itself on year after year. It is a celebration of all thing’s art, culture, design, and fashion that aligns together to bring an esteemed and elaborate affair. Mixing alongside the social elite and cultural crust of society is one of the other things you will inevitably find as you go about your evening. You never know who you will brush shoulders with. This is a yearly event that I might have to pencil in again and again.          

Written by Marisa Ferraro 

Edited by Melinda Sullivan

Photography Getty Images