Fashion Talks 2012 presents three extraordinary women who curate, collect and talk fashion beyond  current tastes. Charlotte Smith, Dr Gene Sherman and Karen Quinlan have incorporated fashion into their work and lives in varied and interesting ways, each with a unique collector’s eye.

Fashion Talks 2012 will traverse the worlds of vintage clothing, Japanese masterpieces and fashion exhibitions. For the designer fashion can be at the cutting edge of artistic expression. For the wearer it tells a powerful visual story. It says ‘I fit in’ or ‘I stand apart’ and provides a deep sense of personal identity.

Broadcast journalist Meri Fatin returns as host to explore fashion from perspectives beyond that of the designer.

Doors at 7pm, talks start at 7:30pm
Season ticket $30 (three events for the price of two)

Charlotte Smith               Fri 3 august

Charlotte Smith is custodian of the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture. It is Australia’s largest private fashion collection with over 4,000 pieces. From 1720 to present day, it includes Dior, Balenciaga and Westwood. Charlotte is a charismatic educator and  advocate who regards social history as integral to understanding fashion and her collection. An exclusive selection from the Darnell Collection will be displayed.

Dr Gene Sherman           Tues 7 august

Dr Gene Sherman, Chairman and Executive Director of the Sherman Contemporary Arts Foundation (Sydney), is a significant curator, collector and philanthropist. Famous for maintaining  a concise wardrobe of current Japanese fashion, in particular Miyake, Comme des Garcons and Yamamoto and regularly gifting garments to her Collection at the Powerhouse Museum, her wardrobe is integral to her public persona and an expression of her identity.  A sample of Dr Sherman’s collection will be displayed.

Karen Quinlan                Tues 14 august

As Director of Bendigo Art Gallery in Victoria, Karen’s blockbuster international fashion exhibitions Grace Kelly: Style Icon, The Golden Age of Couture andThe White Wedding Dress, presented in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum London, have attracted record-breaking  crowds and transformed Bendigo to a must-visit arts destination.