Romance Was Born's Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales have created an exhibition called 'The Bride, The Ship & The Wardrobe' at the Johnston Collection in East Melbourne. Unlike most galleries however, this one isn't solely made up of white walls — it's the home of the late William Johnston, an antique dealer. The designers were invited as guest curators, giving them permission to re-arrange the contents of the mansion, playing with the furniture, crystal and fine china. Working again with Melbourne-based artist Kate Rohde, the pair have mounted and strewn an archive of their most sumptuous creations around the home, allowing themselves of be inspired by the colour themes and collections of antiques within each room. The resulting spectacle is a colourful celebration of space, history and of course, fashion. We spoke with the designer's about their latest artistic endeavour.
Jerico Mandybur: What drew you guys to want to curate the Johnston Collection; what was it about the idea of playing around in someone's house that appealed to you?
Luke Sales: We were always interested in doing other things than just making collections...having said that, it was a hard decision as we are always so busy, but once we walked in, we knew straight away. It's like walking into another world, and we could kind of relate to that 'cause that's what we try to do with our shows.
If you were allowed to go through the home and personal possessions of anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Daphne Guinness — she would have amazing stuff and jewellery. I saw some photos of her house once it was pretty epic, and she had an amazing wardrobe! Not as fun as as Anna Dello Russo, but still worth a walk through.
Out of everything you own, what's your favourite household object?
Luke: My bed!
Anna Plunkett: My Del Kathryn Barton painting, it's one of three. Luke and Del have the other two, so it's very special.
What is the best room in a house and why?
The kitchen, it's where anything can happen. It's a good times room, warm and inviting for sharing food or a drink. The party's always in the kitchen and maybe even a pash!
'The Bride, The Ship & The Wardrobe' will be showing at the
Johnston Collection until October 24.
Jerico Mandybur
