AFTER 30 years in Melbourne’s bridal couture industry, Mariana Hardwick has created enough gowns to more than fill a museum. Yet she says organising a retrospective of her work had never entered her mind.
Fortunately, her daughter-in-law, Rebekah Hardwick, stepped in and created an exhibition – a tribute to a career that’s been adorned with pearls, lace and silk.
‘‘When you’re close to it, you don’t have an external perspective on your own life,’’ the veteran designer says, chatting at her Sydney Road boutique.
Hardwick, who has won five Fashion Industry Awards, says it’s surreal to be at a point in her life where she’s reflecting on the past instead of looking to the future.
‘‘My contribution is trying to dredge out of my mind the sequence of events over the last 30 years,’’ she says.
The exhibition features more than 30 gowns dating back to the early 1980s, along with posters from advertising campaigns and photographs.
Not only does the retrospective mark Hardwick’s three decades in the industry, it also signals a new era. Rebekah (pictured right) has taken the reins, reinvigorating the business while Mariana (pictured far right) takes a well-deserved step back.
It’s been a delight to put the retrospective together on Mariana’s behalf, says Rebekah. After all, she has her to thank for her husband, Sebastian. They met aged 19 when Rebekah was working as a receptionist for Mariana.
After completing her degree in marketing Rebekah returned to the business and soon after started dating Seb. A Mariana Hardwick gown was the obvious choice at their wedding.
When Rebekah started planning the exhibition, she talked to women who had been dressed by Hardwick. There was an immediate bond over the significance of their bridal experience.
‘‘We’d talk to brides whose mums also got married in a Mariana Hardwick dress,’’ says Rebekah.
It’s not only blushing brides who have contributed to the retrospective. One dress in the exhibition was brought in by a man whose wife has since passed away. But for the most part, Rebekah and Mariana agree it’s a joy to reflect on her long career.
‘‘We should have kept some sort of archive,” says Mariana, “but all of the dresses found homes.”
Mariana Hardwick Retrospective, March 8–22, 11am to 4pm, at 459–475 Sydney Road, Brunswick. Details:visit marianahardwick.com.au.
