The exhibition "Norine (Un)Covered: A Story of the Brussels Couture House as Pictured in the Press, 1922–1951" was created by Master's degree students in the Art History program at Ghent University under the supervision of PhD candidate and Revers member, Nele Bernheim. The exhibition was hosted at the Vandenhove Pavilion from May 23 to 25, 2024, and presented the results of a semester-long research project dedicated to rediscovering the Belgian avant-garde fashion house Norine.

The exhibition opened with its campaign image: an original 1925 photograph by Robert De Smet, featuring Norine in a dress with Dufy-inspired embroidery. Juxtaposed was a monitor displaying the digital catalog "Norine (Un)Covered: A Catalogue Raisonné of the Brussels Couture House as Pictured in the Press, 1922-1951" hosted on the Omeka S platform.
 

Drawing from the 189 press images collected in this digital catalog, its physical display offered a hybrid of a chronological timeline and a thematic presentation. The 1920s, Norine's heyday, were most abundantly represented in the visual material, as reflected in the structure of the exhibition. Key images were elevated subtly using stacked magnets to add visual rhythm and depth to the display. Three display cases featured period magazines with Norine editorials whilst a magazine rack held facsimiles of Norine magazine covers.

A merchandising set-up closed the exhibition: a display of a c. 1980s silk scarf reproducing a René Magritte campaign for Norine and a rack of postcards featuring the campaign image.

In addition to celebrating Norine’s Modernist and Surrealist collaborations and bold vision, the exhibition shed light on the collaborative research process and digital tools that brought the catalog to life.

The images and videos on this page, generously provided by PhD candidate Nele Bernheim, document the exhibition.