The public launch of a very private exhibition took place at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Tuesday night (May 10) as the hotel celebrated the official unveiling of its new photography show, Fashion Stills.
The cocktail party launch was held in a sectioned area of the hotel’s lobby and library where a total of 43 images, on loan from the prestigious Polka Galerie in Paris, are on display, free of charge to the public and guests, until the 20th of August.
Sofitel’s Kenji Hashimoto – concierge (left) and Mitchell Gunn – business development for MICE (far right) joined models on the Sofitel staircase.
The iconic fashion photography exhibition, which reveals a rare and intimate sneak peak at the world of haute couture, is testament to Sofitel brand’s increasing alliance and ambassadorship for culture and the arts across its international hotel network.
More than 120 guests from the travel and hospitality industry, fashion and arts sector and media were surrounded by frames of the famous including Karl Lagerfield, Carla Bruni and Kate Moss in addition to memorable fashions from Dior, Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yves St Laurent, Christian Lacroix and Givenchy.
Sofitel guests enjoy Fashion Stills at the launch event
Former Vogue Australia features director come fashion designer Clare Press (AKA the Mrs Press label), showcased her new season offerings – fresh from Sydney’s Rosemount Fashion Week – on the Sofitel runway as guests enjoyed complimentary MUMM Champagne and canapés.
The exhibition and following short fashion parade and presentation was introduced by respected Sydney fashion writer and commentator Glynis Traill-Nash, a veteran and front row fixture at fashion week shows in New York, Milan, Berlin, Paris and Auckland.
Model wears Mrs Press design at the Sofitel’s Fashion Stills exhibition launch.
Previously with The Sun-Herald and more recently a contributor with national titles including Grazia and Instyle, Traill-Nash was enlisted to formally open the exhibition and offer an insight into the fascinating world of fashion, behind the lens, for guests.
Fashion Stills was tailor-made for Sofitel by the renowned Polka Galerie to share in the intimacy of the Houses which built France’s luxury tradition. A truly international exhibition, it was first displayed at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg in late 2009 later travelling across Europe, the United States and will remain in Australia until the end of the year.
Guests included Aileen London, Oracle World Wide; Joyce Weir, Qantas; Marc Cherrier, general manager, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and MC and fashion commentator Glynis Traill-Nash.
Star photographers Derek Hudson, Francoise Huguier, Jean-Marie Périer and Gérard Uféras, have succeeded in capturing unique moments on the catwalk, via an eccentric pose or by immortalising a dress, a design or a celebrated fashion designer’s work desk.
Following its four-month Sydney residence, the display will move on to the Sofitel Brisbane Central where it will be on show from the 2nd of September until the 29th of December. The exhibition was launched in Australia at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins in April this year.
