Kylie Fever Arrives At Manchester Art Gallery

The changing image of Kylie Minogue, one of the world’s most popular contemporary style icons, will be the focus of Manchester Art Gallery’s major summer exhibition. Featuring performance costumes, accessories, album covers, photographs, music and video, the exhibition will look at how Kylie, as a performer, has used her wardrobe to create an image that is known worldwide.

Originating from the Arts Centre, Melbourne, the UK tour of the exhibition began earlier this year in London at the V&A, where it has been a massive success. Manchester Art Gallery is the only venue in the north of England to be hosting the exhibition, which includes over 300 objects relating to Kylie’s performing career. On display will be over 40 costumes and around 60 photographs, including three new outfits that have not previously been shown as part of the exhibition in the UK. These new additions will include the dress designed by Alexander McQueen for the video Chocolate (2004) and the outfit designed by Boy George for Kylie’s 2006 Homecoming tour.

There will be a look backstage where visitors can see sketchbooks, designs and video footage showing preparations for a Kylie tour. They will even be able to get a glimpse inside a recreation of Kylie’s dressing room from the Showgirl Homecoming tour, 2007.

Speaking about the exhibition, Kylie said: “I feel honoured to have my career documented by this exhibition, and am delighted it will be shown at Manchester Art Gallery as a free exhibition. I have always enjoyed my visits to Manchester, especially in the last decade performing at the M.E.N. Arena. It’s wonderful to be part of the city’s lively programme of cultural events for the summer”.

The exhibition will show Kylie’s continually changing image, from 1988 onwards, from the overalls she wore as Charlene in Neighbours (1988) and the gold lamé hotpants she wore in her Spinning Around video (2000) to the white hooded jumpsuit she wore in the video for Can’t get you out of my head (2001).

The exhibition will highlight Kylie’s collaborations with leading designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Julien Macdonald, John Galliano, Helmut Lang and Manolo Blahnik. It will also feature costumes Kylie has created herself in collaboration with William Baker, her Manchester-born creative director and stylist, such as the pink “Dancing Queen” outfit she wore for the Intimate and Live tour (1998).

Synonymous with contemporary style, Evian is proud to sponsor Kylie - The Exhibition.

A range of Kylie merchandise will also be on sale in the gallery shop to accompany the exhibition.

Events

Wednesdays throughout August (1, 8, 15, 22, 29), 1 - 3pm
Kylie pop products
Booking: Free drop-in event
Description: Make your own music cover artwork, produce your very own platinum disc or design music memorabilia inspired by Kylie.

Thursdays throughout August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30),
1 - 3pm
Sing-along-a-Kylie
Booking: Sessions are free but places must be reserved. Places can be reserved at the gallery from 12.30pm on the day of the session.
Description: Workshops for all budding pop stars! Sing along to Kylie’s chart-topping tunes and make your own pop star accessories.

Fridays throughout August (3, 10, 17, 24, 31),
1 - 3pm
Spin around with Kylie
Booking: Sessions are free but places must be reserved. Places can be reserved at the gallery from 12.30pm on the day of the session.
Description: Learn how to move like the showgirl herself in Kylie-inspired dance workshops and create your own pop star accessories to take away.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL

Website: Manchestergalleries.org

Open Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am – 5pm
Closed Monday, except Bank Holidays and Good Friday
Free Admission
Entry to Kylie: The Exhibition is free. However, it is likely that it will be extremely popular, so please be aware the gallery may have to restrict numbers at busy times. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.