Like No Other

David Jones has inspired Australians for almost two centuries as an international innovator and industry leader. This exhibition heralds the donation of its archive, the most significant of its kind in Australia, to the Powerhouse Museum. It also marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between the two iconic institutions that will invest in the next generation of Australian designers.

The David Jones Archive includes thousands of artefacts and documents, some dating back to as early as the 1830s, representing David Jones' remarkable history – a history that is embedded into the cultural and social identity of Australia.

The archive has been cared for by David Jones since its inception 186 years ago and now this generous and internationally significant donation to the Powerhouse Museum will ensure it is digitised, exhibited, researched and accessible in perpetuity.

This exhibition includes Australian and international design and fashion material from packaging and retail design, programs from Christian Dior shows that were presented at David Jones in the 1940s and 50s, and evidence of the innovation and talent of the David Jones team over many decades. It also features significant figures in Australian arts and design, such as photographers Max Dupain and Olive Cotton, graphic designer Gordon Andrews, plus fashion designers Rachel Gilbert and the legendary Carla Zampatti.

Glimpse into the stories and histories, which attest to David Jones' role as a pioneer of style, innovation and service within the Australian community.