Hi everyone,

You have two more weeks to see the Martin Grant exhibition at the NGV before it closes, and if you appreciate fine fashion and exquisite tailoring, I recommend it. Mr (or perhaps I should say Monsieur) Grant is a haute couturier and his work is up there with Dior and Balenciaga as far as style and quality goes. I appreciated being able to view his garments-as-artworks up close, where you can see the fine detailing.

Monsieur Grant started in Melbourne back in the ’80s but hot-footed it to Paris where he could really stretch his love of designing outerwear, and his coats are truly superb. It makes me sad to think of what Melbourners have missed out on, but I’m sure he is loved in Europe and we can still acquire his wares, at surprisingly reasonable prices (especially on the second-hand market where they will no doubt increase in value).

His ballgowns aren’t too shabbby either.

These pics are from my second visit, when I was planning my wardrobe for my own trip to Paris, so here’s what I would pack, had the NGV been so kind as to lend them to me.

We arrived in Autumn for the Art Deco World Congress – the centenary of Art Deco where it all began: in Paris, so a nice smart coat is an essential. More 1950s than Deco in inspiration, I’m sure it will still be admired and it will go nicely with my vintage rose print silk scarfs and beret.

It would be nice to have something a bit fun too, so how about this silver leather coat? Echoes of the Deco machine age.

The perfect go anywhere, do anything little black shirt dress in fine wool jersey. Seriously, I need this dress in my wardrobe – and perfect for travelling.

All those walking tours down Parisian streets needs a chic and practical skirt suit. I’ll wear this with knee high boots and a cross-body bag.

Paris in Autumn definitely needs more coats: this will be lovely for the fancy dinner event at La Coupole.

Some of those interiors are well heated though, so I’ll need something light to wear inside once I’ve taken off my coat. Love these darling 1920s inspired dresses: so chic and comfortable! I’ll have one in each colour please. The Decophiles will approve.

I’m so glad the Art Deco congress has some dress up occasions because this silver gown is worthy of Harlow herself!

After the Congress, we have more time in Paris so I’ll need something worthy to visit the La Gallerie Dior and pay homage to the great man. This sculptural coat combines style with elegance nicely, I think he’d approve. C’est parfait!

Kudos to the NGV team, this exhibition is an excellent retrospective to one of our best designers, presenting the full scope of his creativity. The staging is superb, especially the ballgown room which frankly, took my breath away. We’re fortunate to have such a world class gallery in our city offering exhibitions of this extremely high calibre. Bravo!