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Arts philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty shines at NGV Pierre Bonnard launch

Melbourne black was out and bold colour was in as the NGV launched its latest exhibition with a glam party. See the pictures.

Design icon India Mahdavi with Melbourne personalities at the opening night of NGV exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi. Picture: Jessie Obialor
Design icon India Mahdavi with Melbourne personalities at the opening night of NGV exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi. Picture: Jessie Obialor

Being one of Australia’s pre-eminent arts philanthropists is no small title.

But there is nothing small about Krystyna Campbell-Pretty, except perhaps the 70 year old’s neatly cinched-in waist in designer couture.

Arriving to the National Gallery of Victoria’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi, on opening night on Thursday, Campbell-Pretty outshone the crowding influencers by a country mile.

With her signature metallic-gold eyeshadow, Campbell-Pretty called on young, wealthy women to start giving.

Fashion champion Krystyna Campbell-Pretty. Picture: Jessie Obialor
Fashion champion Krystyna Campbell-Pretty. Picture: Jessie Obialor
Lune Croissanterie founder Kate Reid at NGV International. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image
Lune Croissanterie founder Kate Reid at NGV International. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image
Maria Thattil, Miss Universe Australia 2020, with brother Dom. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Maria Thattil, Miss Universe Australia 2020, with brother Dom. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Food writer and TV presenter Matt Preston with Jessica Raffa. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image
Food writer and TV presenter Matt Preston with Jessica Raffa. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image

“The older generation are dominated by their husbands and it’s sort of considered his decision when it comes to money,” she told Page 13.

“Younger women need to free themselves from their business enterprises. They need to free themselves into a more philanthropic role. It will happen.”

As a former management consultant and social worker who has donated more than 300 pieces of art and fashion, and more than 3000 pieces of fashion memorabilia to the NGV, Campbell-Pretty talks the talk.

On Saturday, the go-getter with deep pockets, jets off to Europe to hopefully make the winning bid on a garment designed by the late Vivienne Westwood she wants to give to the NGV.

Actor Sharon Johal. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image
Actor Sharon Johal. Picture: Sam Tabone/Wire Image
India Mahdavi and NGV director Tony Ellwood. Picture: Liz Sunshine
India Mahdavi and NGV director Tony Ellwood. Picture: Liz Sunshine


Couture headwear maker Richard Nylon. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Couture headwear maker Richard Nylon. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Carly Findlay and friend. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Carly Findlay and friend. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Model and triathlete James Parr. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Model and triathlete James Parr. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Interior designer Brahman Perera. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Interior designer Brahman Perera. Picture: Liz Sunshine

Other guests at the winter masterpieces opening night included French architect India Mahdavi, Lune Croissanterie founder and one time Formula 1 CEO candidate Kate Reid, food critic Matt Preston and former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil.

Guests were asked to wear colour in celebration of French painter Bonnard and design icon Mahdavi – both of whom are known for their use of bright tones.

The exhibition is open until October 8.

Model Mike Nguyen and Rowena Xi Kang. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Model Mike Nguyen and Rowena Xi Kang. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Former Australian ballerina Brooke McAuley. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Former Australian ballerina Brooke McAuley. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Fashion influencer Maxine Wilde. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Fashion influencer Maxine Wilde. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Cooking influencer Jessica Nguyen. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Cooking influencer Jessica Nguyen. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Luxury fashion influencer Katherine Denton. Picture: Jessie Obialor
Luxury fashion influencer Katherine Denton. Picture: Jessie Obialor
Robert Bonomy, India Madhavi and Vivienne Gidako. Picture: Liz Sunshine
Robert Bonomy, India Madhavi and Vivienne Gidako. Picture: Liz Sunshine

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/page-13/arts-philanthropist-krystyna-campbellpretty-shines-at-ngv-pierre-bonnard-launch/news-story/a457160a52c799898fbd9b389572f74c