Yohji Yamamoto is a revered name to anyone who is familiar with fashion. The Japanese designer, whose work spans more than three decades, is getting an exhibit. More than 60 items of clothing from the early 80s to recent pieces will be on view. Clothing from all of Yamamoto’s varied lines is to be included.
But this isn’t your everyday stop and stare fashion exhibit. The clothing will be displayed on live models, some of who will demonstrate the varied ways in which the clothes can be worn. Yamamoto is famed for presenting his clothing as versatile pieces, with no one-way of wearing them being the right way. Additionally, some of the items will also be available for sale – a coup, considering the timeline the exhibit spans.
Yamamoto debuted his eponymous line in 1981 in Paris after studying fashion at the Bunka Fashion College. His dark, twisting, oddly romantic and androgynous clothing immediately caught the attention of the fashion world and launched him to stardom. A sister line, Y’s, soon emerged, and a longstanding collaboration with Adidas called Y-3 ensured Yamamoto’s place in fashion and cultural history. Beyond ready-to-wear clothing, he has also designed costumes for a 1995 opera version of Tristan and Isolde, and recently designed the kits for football team Real Madrid.
Beyond his storied design work, Yamamoto is also no stranger to having his clothes displayed in museums – he previously had an exhibit at the V&A in London, and his designs have been part of countless exhibits across the globe.
The Yohji Yamamoto exhibit will be on view from July 31 – August 8, 2015, at the Live Archives in London.