The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition Case Study

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)

Acton, ACT, AUS

Project Type:

Exhibition Conversion
Touring Exhibition

Services:

Development & Design

Research & Interpretive Planning, Content & Narrative Development, Concept Design & Renders, Script & Label Writing, Schematic & Full-Detail Designs, Branding & Graphic Design

Production & Fabrication

Exhibition Conversion & Fabrication, Artifact Management, Custom Crate Design & Production, A/V Design & Integration, Construction Drawings, Tour Documentation

Overview:

Flying Fish partnered with the NFSA to transform The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition into a national touring experience. Highlighting Marion Boyce’s acclaimed couture designs, known for their intricate detail, dramatic headpieces, and cultural significance as wearable art,

Flying Fish developed and produced every aspect of the exhibition beyond the costumes provided. From concept design to final fabrication, we delivered an immersive and dynamic experience that engaged audiences at venues across Australia.

Scope:

Flying Fish provided comprehensive end-to-end services to develop, design, and produce The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition for its regional tour. It transformed Marion Boyce’s couture creations into a compelling narrative and visually engaging visitor experience.

Development & Design

Flying Fish conducted extensive research and interpretive planning to align the exhibition content with The Dressmaker’s historical and cultural contexts. We crafted a cohesive storyline and narrative framework, weaving Marion Boyce’s couture designs into the film’s themes to foster a deeper connection with visitors. This included writing scripts and labels that offered meaningful insights into the costumes' artistry and cultural significance.

Detailed conceptual designs and renders established the creative vision, while schematic and full-detail designs ensured precision and feasibility. Cohesive branding and graphic design, including sophisticated graphics and interpretive panels, elevated the exhibition’s overall presentation and visual identity.

Production & Fabrication

Flying Fish designed and produced immersive, thematically cohesive set pieces, bespoke furniture, and detailed props to showcase Marion Boyce’s costumes as wearable art. Our team handled artifacts and preserved them to safeguard the intricate costumes and accessories throughout the tour. Custom crates were carefully crafted to protect these delicate items during transportation to regional venues. Detailed construction drawings and comprehensive tour documentation streamlined installation and deinstallation processes across multiple locations, ensuring efficiency and consistency. The result was a visually stunning and thoughtfully executed exhibition, expertly prepared to inspire and engage audiences across Australia.

Impact:

Reception

The touring version of The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition debuted at the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Queensland, Australia, in September 2020. It offered audiences an immersive exploration of Marion Boyce’s couture designs. The exhibition’s thoughtful narrative and innovative design enthralled visitors, providing a unique, multisensory experience that showcased the artistry and cultural significance of Boyce’s work.

Visitor Engagement

Flying Fish’s immersive exhibition design elevated the visitor experience by presenting Marion Boyce’s creations as more than costumes—they became storytelling elements within a broader artistic and cultural narrative. Through engaging displays, visitors connected deeply with the stories behind the fashion, experiencing Boyce’s designs as wearable art and gaining insight into their craftsmanship and meaning.

Expanded Reach

The successful transformation of the exhibition allowed NFSA to expand its reach. It brought The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition to audiences across Australia and deepened its impact by connecting regional communities with the cultural significance of Australian cinema and fashion. This broadened its audience and reinforced the importance of storytelling through art and film.

Gallery: