Immerse yourself in an intensive two-day professional learning program inspired by the radical and rule-breaking visions of two of the most influential fashion designers in recent history Vivienne Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.
Designed specifically for teachers, this program explores innovative and creative approaches to contemporary fashion and offers practical strategies and activities to support classroom teaching and student folio development.
All materials are supplied. Lunch is included, please indicate any dietary requirements when booking.
This program includes:
- A curatorial introduction to the exhibition followed by time for self-guided exhibition viewing to explore the influence of Westwood and Kawakubo on global fashion.
- Insights from the NGV Conservation team offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the preparation and care of garments featured in the exhibition.
- A hands-on workshop led by designer Wilson Jedd Adams introducing fabric manipulation techniques and ideas for developing garment and design concepts.
- The opportunity to collaborate with peers, sharing teaching strategies and ideas that can be applied directly in the classroom.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyse and interpret key concepts, materials and design strategies used by Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, and apply this knowledge to deepen students’ understanding of fashion as a form of cultural and creative expression.
- Develop and apply practical design and fabric manipulation techniques through hands-on workshops, enhancing own creative practices and providing authentic processes to support student folio development.
- Collaboratively workshop and develop effective teaching strategies with peers, drawing on exhibition themes to create meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning experiences that inspire student engagement and critical thinking.
About Wilson Jedd Adams
Wilson Jedd Adams (he/him) is a South Australian–born multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer whose work reimagines queerness through maximalism, club culture and experimental design. With a background in contemporary art, his practice transforms traditional garment construction into sculptural forms that explore fashion as a vehicle for transformation and authenticity. Known for his intuitive process and refusal to repeat ideas, Adams pushes boundaries through exaggerated silhouettes, raw finishes and the use of deadstock and upcycled materials.
His work has featured in Melbourne Fashion Week, Melbourne Fashion Hub, Queer by Design, the Emerging Artists Collective runway and the National Graduate Showcase at PayPal Fashion Festival. He holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts from the University of South Australia and a Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours) from RMIT, and has appeared in To Be Magazine and Fashion Journal.