Linda Jackson Bush Couture

Linda Jackson’s love for the Australian bush feeds her art. In February, the NGV exhibits pieces from her famously vibrant fashion label Bush Couture. LA celebrities have worn her oversize knitted jumpers resplendent with birds, koalas, and gumnuts; and hand-painted jackets reflecting the colours of an opal. And now you can see what all the fuss has been about all these years. On show will be her incredible Black Magic dress, a cascade of leaves of charcoal-black organza, with the transformative power to turn its wearer into a swan.

Her unconventional cuts and light-up-the-room prints captured Australiana kitsch 30 years before Romance Was Born made a splash on the scene. “My rainbow of inspirations come from interpreting things I love – the outback colours and shapes, the sea, music, the Opera House, leaves, colours in wildflowers and opals,” Linda Jackson said to The Age in 1984.

Linda has led a fascinating life. Born in Beaumaris, Melbourne, in the 70s Linda partnered with designer Jenny Kee to run Flamingo Park in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. She has since travelled extensively throughout the Australian outback and has lived and worked with Aboriginal communities. Linda Jackson Bush Couture is NGV’s first exhibition of its season and is not to be missed.