Auckland Central City Library is thrilled to announce a captivating exhibition showcasing the evolution of fashion throughout Aotearoa in a new exhibition titled ‘That’s So Last Century: What We Wore 1950s-90s’.
Curated by Auckland Council librarians, this free exhibition provides visitors with a deeper insight into New Zealand fashion and street photography, and its impact on our popular culture.
Waitematā Local Board Chair Genevieve Sage is excited for all to explore New Zealand’s changing style.
"Fashion and street photography is not just about capturing clothing; it's about capturing a moment in time, reflecting the social, cultural, and artistic influences of each decade.
“Through this exhibition, we invite visitors to immerse themselves in our rich history to explore our evolution of style as individuals, and as a nation.”
Ron Clark. The Clarks and their Humber Hawk, about 1956. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, 1207-0014.
From the post-war elegance of the 1950s, to the rebellious spirit of the 70s, and the laidback nature of the 1990s, ‘That’s So Last Century’ highlights photographs, magazines, LPs, trade catalogues, manuscripts, clothing patterns, and books held in Auckland Council Libraries Heritage Collections that encapsulate New Zealanders’ relationships with the clothes we wore.
The exhibition captures the essence of each era through the lens of celebrated photographers including John Rykenberg, Noel Brotherston and Clifton Firth, and includes the work of iconic Kiwi fashion designers including Emma Knuckey, Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Francis Hooper of WORLD, and Helen Cherry.
Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard, is proud to provide visitors with a deeper insight into New Zealand’s rich style history.
“‘That’s So Last Century’ promises to be a must-see event for fashion enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone with an interest in the cultural history of the 20th century.
“Admission to the exhibition is free, offering a rare opportunity for the community to engage with this visually stunning and thought-provoking showcase.”
Noel Brotherston. Women modelling short-sleeved mini dresses, possibly Aotea Wakarua on the left, about 1960s. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, 1817-2139-09.
Discover the history of clothing manufacturing and the importance of home sewing and knitting in Aotearoa; explore articles and images featuring a handful of New Zealand’s most iconic fashion designers; and learn more about how Aucklanders shopped - from department stores like Milne and Choyce, through to op shops, chain stores and higher end fashion boutiques.
‘That’s So Last Century’ features a diverse collection of images and audio tracks telling stories of fashion in Aotearoa drawn from Auckland Council Libraries’ oral history and sound collections.
In addition to the captivating exhibition, Auckland Council Libraries is offering a series of interactive activities celebrating New Zealand’s fashion history, including a guided tour of Auckland’s fashion hotspots with fashion expert Doris de Pont, a school holiday workshop to learn more about sustainable fashion, and a clothes swap event dedicated to recycling clothes and discovering both old and new fashion trends.
‘That’s So Last Century: What We Wore 1950s – 1990s’ will be held at Level 2 of Auckland’s Central City Library from Wednesday 20 March – 13 July. For more information on the exhibition and interactive activities, go to OurAuckland.
