The Dunedin Public Art Gallery (DPAG) has announced THIS IS NOM*d, a major retrospective of the iconic Dunedin fashion label, opening on Saturday, the 29th of March 2025, through Sunday, the 6th of July 2025.
The exhibition, the first NOM*d public retrospective showcased at a central gallery, will feature 20 looks from the label’s rich 39-year history.
The looks were selected from the label’s extensive archives and styled contemporary by long-term collaborators Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Avril Planqueel.
THIS IS NOM*dwill offer an immersive experience, highlighting the label’s commitment to creative collaboration with artists, musicians, filmmakers, and photographers. Through a blend of fashion, images, film, and sound, the exhibition explores the evolution of NOM*d and its seminal approach to design.
“It’s been so rewarding going through our extensive archive, remembering the moments, the creative teams, the joys of presentation, and the successes of individual garments. I can’t believe how much time has passed and the wonderful journeys I’ve experienced,” said Margarita Robertson, Founder and Creative Director of NOM*d.
NOM*d has been a beacon of avant-garde fashion for nearly four decades, marrying practical functionality with a rebellious spirit. The brand’s aesthetic is defined by deconstructed tailoring and the working of traditional garments, which exude a timeless quality while inviting profound individuality and introspection.
Inspired by Japanese and Belgian designers' muted, non-glamorous elegance, NOM*dhas has always embraced a monochromatic palette and unconventional forms.
The label's international acclaim was solidified when NOM*d, as part of the pioneering 'New Zealand Four,' showcased its collections at London Fashion Week in 1999. This milestone underscored its influence and affirmed NOM*d's role in defining the intellectual, dark-edged aesthetic now synonymous with New Zealand fashion.
Exhibition curator Tim Pollock, Exhibition and Collections Manager DPAG, said that THIS IS NOM*d provides an opportunity to explore nearly four decades of creative work.
The exhibition aims to capture the essence of a brand that remains internationally relevant while remaining intrinsically connected to Dunedin. Collaborating with Margi and her team on this project has been a pleasure and a privilege.
