Rediscover the joy of fashionable Friday night outings with a trip to the National Gallery of Victoria’s latest exhibition, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.

Indulge in the best art, fashion and food Melbourne has to offer with NGV Friday Nights – a summer series centred around the exclusive Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition. Widely known as “Coco”, the French couturière pioneered a new approach to women’s fashion, designing some of the most iconic garments of the 20th-century including the trademark tweed jacket.
As a proud major partner of NGV Friday Nights, David Jones is giving visitors the opportunity to win some incredible surprises from the David Jones Vault – opening every week in the NGV’s garden.
It’s time to do away with the track pants and start planning a night to remember. From prepping your glam look to discovering Melbourne’s chicest venues to visit after the gallery, consider this your guide to the ultimate Friday night.

Belle of the ball
Embrace the opportunity to dress like a VIP with elevated fashion choices that rise to the occasion. Make a statement with unique silhouettes in luxe fabrics, such as Mativevski’s Knot Dress. Steven Khalil’s timeless earrings will add a touch of classic elegance to your look, while a bold pair of Aquazzura Pumps will have all eyes on you. Drape a Versace bag over your shoulder for a sophisticated finishing touch.


Classic beauty
A glamorous evening calls for an equally glamorous beauty moment. A chic look with pops of sparkle will take you seamlessly from pre-drinks to after-party escapades.
Achieve an amplified, glowy base using Gucci’s moisturising foundation, and swipe a hint of glittery eyeshadow on your lids with Tom Ford’s Soleil Air Eye Palette. Finish your look with the Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet – a luxuriously smooth lipstick with intense colour payoff – and a spritz of Tom Ford’s exotic Oud Wood Eau De Parfum.

The event of the season
Running from 10 December 2021 – 22 April 2022, this event signals a revival of Melbourne’s rich urban culture after a year of cancelled plans.
Presented by the NGV in partnership with the Palais Galliera – the pre-eminent fashion museum in Paris – the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition is a spectacle to behold. Featuring more than 230 garments, accessories and jewellery pieces, the show pays tribute to the genius behind Chanel’s groundbreaking designs. Fashion lovers and history buffs alike will be mesmerised by this exquisite collection.
“Melbourne has missed live music and events in recent times and we’re proud to be bringing it back to the NGV.”
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV

Into the night
After you’ve made your way through the exhibition, enjoy the Four Pillars Gin Bar in the garden and visit the David Jones Vault. If you’re looking to indulge, visit the Pommery Champagne Bar in the Gallery Kitchen for oysters and cuvées, or the Yering Station wine bar for local wines and a Chanel-inspired dining experience.
NGV Friday Nights plays host to a large line-up of leading Melbourne DJs, including Banoffee, James Tom, Noise in my Head, Max Vegas and DJ Jnett.
Continue the night in style:
Drink: Kirk’s Wine Bar, City Wine Shop
Eat: Tipo 00, Embla, The Hardware Club, Yakimono
Dance: Angel Music Bar
Fashion photography by Georges Antoni. NGV photography by Eugene Hyland.