Some people might argue that Bowen has no style, others might confidently use simple descriptions like: fresh, casual or relaxed. And then there are people who dare to be more specific describing Bowen style: hippy-esque, town-meets-rural, sport spectator-ish or transient- eclectic.
Wherever you fall on the scale, when you think of Bowen style, you might think of how you dress yourself or you might think of an Islander you see frequently or remember a clothing store from Bowen’s past or present.
This year’s summer exhibition Fashionably Bowen: Island Style (June 24 – September 26) is featuring the wide range of past styles on Bowen, with samples of Bowen’s own style icons (Yes, we dare call them icons) as well as fashion stores and their fashion shows, clothing makers, designers and fashionistas who live what they love.
We are thrilled to be able to show some beautiful clothing from the ‘6os, owned and worn by Karl and Stephanie Dudda, long time Bowen Islanders. Neither missed a chance to dress up and Stephanie made a daily effort with her extravagant style. Her daughter Gail Gerber, ballerina and actress who appeared opposite Elvis Presley in “Girl Happy” (1965) and “Harum Scarum” (1965) is also represented in our exhibit.
Talking of fashion icons, Bowen’s own fashionista extraordinaire, Angie McCulloch, contributed an outfit that has more than one story. We also feature the adventurous stories and clothing of Kami Kanetsuka, Sam Knowles, Judi Gedye, Elena Waldman and the Big Idea Store as well as protest wear, a never-shown, beautiful Edwardian wedding dress from our collection and a new acquisition from Norma Dallas of a stunning turn of the century christening outfit.
We are opening the exhibition in conjunction with our AGM on Sunday, June 24, 1-4 p.m. For musical entertainment we welcome the Stiver & Schut jazz duo and light refreshments will be served.
As part of our summer speaker series one special treat is coming up very soon:Collector, curator and lecturer extraordinaire of historical fashion, Ivan Sayers, is coming to Bowen Island. For his first time giving a talk on Bowen, Sayers presents one of his newest lectures, “Waisted Efforts,” with great insight of 20th Century fashion’s highs and lows. Ivan will display some fantastic outfits from his vast fashion collection. His highly entertaining talks are for everyone and his fans will travel where he presents, therefore make sure you come early for a good seat. It promises to be a sold-out talk. The event is on Saturday 30in the Cove Commons Annex. Cover is by donation but $12 is suggested.
Every Saturdaywe are going to have guided tours from 1 - 1:30 p.m. through the permanent exhibit and from 1:30 – 2 p.m. through the summer exhibit. You can also call us to arrange a private tour between Tuesday and Saturday (min. four people): (604) 947 2655. Visit our website for more information: https://bowenislandmuseum.ca.
We look forward to see you at one of our events.
