Author & editor Mitchell Oakley-Smith makes an excellent case for seeing Fashion Icons, open until 15 February 2015 at the Art Gallery of South Australia, direct from Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.



Christian Dior, Bar Suit, haute couture, Spring-Summer 1947, Les Arts Décoratifs, Ufac collection, Mode et Textile, in association with Christian Dior, 1958. Photo: Thierry Dreyfus for Eyesight Group

1. It's unique to Adelaide
While fashion has staked a claim on the hallowed halls of museums and fine art galleries around the world in recent years, with exhibitions travelling to countless corners of the world, Fashion Icons is unique to and crafted exclusively for the Art Gallery of South Australia. You won't find Christian Dior's 'Bar Jacket' alongside Lady Gaga's chrome bustier made by Dolce & Gabbana anywhere else.


Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, long evening dress, Spring-Summer 2008, Les Arts Décoratifs, Mode et Textile collection, in association with Lanvin, 2011. Photo: Thierry Dreyfus for Eyesight Group

2. You can travel through time
Throughout January the gallery will open its doors for late-night Friday events. Each event is themed as per the exhibition's showcase of garments, with special speakers, live music and performances. Go all Mad Men in The Glamorous 50s, pull out your leather and lace for The 80s: From Punk to Power Dressing, and put together your best street style look for The 90s to Now.


Left: Comme des Garçons, dress, ready to wear, Autumn-Winter 2012-2013, Les Arts Décoratifs, Mode et Textile collection, purchased with the support of Louis Vuitton, 2012. Right : Valentino, evening suit, haute couture, Autumn-Winter 2007-2008, Les Arts Décoratifs, Mode et Textile collection, in association with Valentino, 2008. Photo: Thierry Dreyfus for Eyesight Group.

3. Lunch hour just got better
Every Tuesday, a special guest will present a talk about a different aspect of the exhibition, offering an instant hit of glamour during your working week. Highlights include NGV fashion curator Katie Somerville discussing Chanel and the Little Black Dress, designer Carla Zampatti offering insights into how she built her fashionable empire, and The Australian fashion editor Glynis Traill-Nash exploring the art of haute couture.



4. Learn from the best
Consider yourself a budding photographer? Or the next Christian Dior? A series of in-depth workshops with the country's most talented creatives provide an unrivalled opportunity to sharpen your skills, whether you're a professional in the industry or still studying. Acclaimed photographer Georges Antoni offers a look into the making of his most revered images, Toni Maticevski will discuss the workings of the 21^st fashion century, and Kerrie Hess will help you illustrate your favourite pieces from the exhibition.



5. There's menswear, too
Not just a show about womenswear, numerous men's garments appear in Fashion Icons, and to celebrate the sartorial evolution of the Australian male we have put together a panel of experts to discuss the topic. Join GQ editor Ceri David, Men in this Town street style photographer Giuseppe Santamaria, tailor Patrick Johnson and Art Gallery of South Australia director Nick Mitzevich and myself in conversation about the significant growth of the menswear market.

6. You can sit front row for a day  
Always wanted to attend a runway show at Paris Fashion Week? In a blockbuster film series, you can re-live some of fashion's greatest moments, with screenings of Christian Dior: The Man Behind the Myth, Valentino: The Last Emperor, and Pret-a-Porter. For a closer look at the workings of the fashion industry, don't miss The September Issue, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, and Mademoiselle C, about French stylist Carine Roitfeld.


Magill Estate restaurant, designed by Pascale Gomes-McNabb

7. Finish with a glass of pinot noir
For interstate visitors, Adelaide might not hold the buzzing excitement of larger capital cities, but that's half of its charm. Make a weekend of it and book in a wine-tasting tour in the Barossa or Adelaide Hills, or visit Magill Estate – recently named the state's best restaurant at the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide awards – for a standout dinner made with local produce.