When it was announ-ced that an exhibition of Kylie Minogue’s stage costumes was to be mounted at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, many people threw their hands up in horror at the thought of taxpayers’ money being used to promote that kind of pop culture in that kind of venue.
But the indications are that thousands will be queuing to gawp free at Kylie: The Exhibition, which opens today in Glasgow, until January. And they will probably have to queue to see the Kylie show, which is being staged in Kelvingrove’s temporary exhibition space in the basement.
This touring exhibition, which opened in Australia in 2006 and has been seen in London and Manchester, draws on the collection that Kylie donated to Melbourne Arts Centre.
Visitors will see costumes ranging from the wholesome overalls she wore in Neighbours to the ultra-sexy white hooded jumpsuit in her “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” video in 2001.
One of the most stunning pieces is the gown that Kylie is said to have designed especially for the exhibition. “The Museum Dress” features magazine images of her, printed onto cloth and made up into an extravagant frock with a flowing train.
Kylie is not just a clothes show; it features photographs, album covers, music and a video to look at how costume design is affected by the need for quick changes, high-kicking and other practical matters.
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