Swagger: The State of Contemporary Menswear with Dr Paola Di Trocchio and Designers Max Bell and Cuong Nguyen

Throughout the month of June, The Johnston Collection’s current exhibition Swagger: Gentlemen of Fashion will also feature works from the graduate collections of emerging fashion designers Max Bell and Cuong Nguyen. Curated by Dr Paola Di Trocchio, this creative intervention will see cutting-edge, contemporary design in dialogue with a historical collection.

Join leading fashion curator Dr Paola Di Trocchio in conversation with the designers as they explore their creative journeys, sartorial inspirations, and the history of men’s fashion. Step behind the scenes with the designers and the curator, and listen as they share their insights on the state of menswear today.

Dr Paola Di Trocchio is one of Australia’s leading fashion curators. With over twenty years’ experience delivering outstanding projects and programs, she has worked with the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Fashion Festival, and the University of Melbourne.

Max Bell is a multi-disciplinary artist and graduate of Melbourne Whitehouse Institute of Design. His work reflects an interest in couture-level garments and experimental materials. Pieces from his graduate collection ‘Transfiguration’ will be on display in Fairhall throughout June 2025.

Cuong Nguyen is a Vietnamese-Australian fashion designer and graduate of RMIT’s fashion design program. Nguyen’s practice focuses on reclaiming traditional, slow fashion methods and the art of bespoke tailoring. Pieces from his graduate collection, ‘What It Feels Like for a Boy’ will be on display in Fairhall throughout June 2025.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the presentation, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This program is generously supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants and The Sir Wilfred and C H (Roger) Brookes Charitable Trust.

Images:
1. Cuong Nguyen design. Photo: Cuong Nguyen & Lilly McFarlane Ahern.
2. Max Bell design. Photo: Monica Dragut.