This summer, the NGV bursts into a world of colour, creativity and celebration with Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids: Designed by Danielle Brustman, a free and interactive exhibition opening 28 November 2025 at NGV International. Designed especially for young visitors, the exhibition transforms the NGV’s Children’s Gallery into an immersive fashion playground filled with dancing, dress-ups and dazzling design. Featuring stunning garments and funky streetwear from the NGV’s Fashion and Textiles Collection alongside hands-on activities, costumes and a glittering disco dance floor, Let’s Party! invites kids to explore self-expression and the joy of getting ready for a party.
At the heart of the experience is an illuminated dance floor, where children can show off their best moves beneath glittering disco balls to a lively party soundtrack. Designed to spark joy, movement and self-expression, the space features a jukebox where kids can play music and dance like no one’s watching. Surrounding the dance floor, bold and striking fashion displays by Australian and international designers from the NGV Collection provide a dramatic and inspiring backdrop of imagination and style.
The exhibition showcases more than thirty-five spectacular garments and accessories drawn from the NGV Collection. Highlights include designs by Issey Miyake, Romance Was Born, Imane Ayissi, Lisa Waup x Verner, Nixi Killick and haute couture fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent. From voluminous gowns and experimental textures to punk-inspired outfits, teddy bear shoes and surrealist millinery, the works on display blur the line between high fashion and joyful imagination.
With exhibition design by award-winning Australian designer Danielle Brustman, the space has been imagined as a vibrant, theatrical environment that captures the excitement of getting ready for a party. Known for her sophisticated use of colour, playful forms and immersive interiors, Brustman brings her distinctive visual language to the NGV Children’s Gallery through a rich, sensory setting complete with glittering disco lighting and custom-designed wall treatments, carpets and colour palettes. Blending elements of fashion, fantasy and fun, her design transforms the gallery into a joyful celebration of self-expression and style.
A key inspiration for Brustman’s design is Look 27, Top and Skirt, by Japanese fashion designer Tomo Koizumi. Constructed from more than 200 metres of vividly multicoloured ruffled organza, the spectacular ensemble will be on display in the exhibition. Originally featured in Koizumi’s breakout 2019 collection at New York Fashion Week, the look captures his exuberant and joy-filled aesthetic, qualities that reflected throughout Brustman’s exhibition design.
Another major highlight of the exhibition is the interactive dress-up zone, featuring costumes made by Brynna Lowen, a Melbourne-based costume designer and maker. Children can try on a collection of costumes made especially for the exhibition, in the shape of hearts, stars and lightning bolts. Mirrors designed by Brustman, inspired by classic vanities, let children admire their party-ready looks and fully immerse themselves in the moment.
Once dressed up, families are invited to step into a photobooth, where young fashionistas can strike a pose, perform a runway walk or snap a photo keepsake of their day. Featuring sculptural lighting designed by Brustman, this platform offers a playful moment of stardom and a chance for children to shine.
Visitors can also get hands-on with creative art activities, including a dedicated station for personalising their party hats with sparkly stickers. These hats can be worn throughout the space and taken home, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing another opportunity for kids to express their creativity.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said: ‘This exhibition is a fun and creative activity for kids. We’re proud to support experiences like this exhibition – and the extensive NGV Kids on Tour program – that make the arts accessible for families right across Victoria.’
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘At the NGV, we are passionate about creating exhibitions that celebrate creativity in all its forms and inspire lasting connections with art and design. Let’s Party! is a joyful and inclusive experience that encourages children to explore fashion, express themselves and celebrate who they are through the fun and freedom of play.’
Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids Designed by Danielle Brustman, will be a key inspiration for the NGV Kids Summer Festival, taking place from 10–16 January 2026 at both NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The free, week-long event invites children and families to celebrate creativity and self-expression through party-inspired workshops, story time sessions, live performances, and hands-on activities. Each day offers a new way to engage with art and design, drawing directly from the NGV’s current exhibitions.
In addition, the NGV will extend the fun across the state through NGV Kids on Tour, bringing Let’s Party! themed activities to communities throughout Victoria. Held during January 2026, this free outreach initiative will see more than 160 community venues deliver NGV-designed art activities and workshops for children and teens in both regional and metropolitan areas, ensuring families can take part no matter where they live.
Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids designed by Danielle Brustman, will be on display from 28 November 2025 to 3 May 2026 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. More information is available via the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
ABOUT DANIELLE BRUSTMAN
Danielle Brustman is a Melbourne-based interior designer with over a decade of experience spanning residential, retail and early education interiors, as well as bespoke cabinetry, furniture, lighting, installations and exhibitions. Known for her sophisticated use of colour and geometric references, Brustman draws on both historical and contemporary influences to create striking spaces.
Represented by Sophie Gannon Gallery and Useful Object Gallery, Brustman’s design pieces and installations have featured in major exhibitions at the NGV, including the Rigg Design Prize (2018), NGV Triennial (2020) and Melbourne Now (2023).