The kimono was a quotidian outfit in Japan for centuries until their ports opened for international trade in the mid-1800s and its simple aesthetics and unique silhouette almost instantly began making an impression on artists and designers all over the world.Kimono: Refashioning Contemporary Style, an exhibition showcasing the relevance and influence of this silken garment, will be on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum from June 28 through September 15, 2019.Cincinnati is the final American stop for this show after previous presentations in Newark and San Francisco.Four distinct sections together explore how Japanese aesthetics and design have inspired the global artistic community generally, and more specifically exhibit an impressive compilation of ravishingly elegant kimonos spanning more than 100 years. The vast collection on display features more than 50 ornate ensembles dating from the late 19th century to as recently as 2016 by Japanese, European and American fashion designers.Featured couture artists include: the namesakes of the luxury labels Coco Chanel and Christian Louboutin; the founder of Comme des Garcons, Rei Kawakubo; influential contemporary Japanese designers such as Junya Watanabe and Yohji Yamamoto; Tom Ford; and more.
For more info, visit cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Christian Louboutin boots, Autumn/Winter 2017 The Kyoto Costume Institute
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Silk kimono and sash circa 1920 Cincinnati Art Museum; Gift in memory of Mrs. William Leo Doepke (Ethel Page) by her granddaughter, Sara Doepke
Photo by Rob Deslongchamps
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Silk kimono, early 20th century Cincinnati Art Museum; A gift from Eleanor Lee Hart's collection of Japanese art
Photo by Scott Hisey
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Alessandro dellAcqua for Rochas, Autumn/Winter 2015 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeya-ma
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John Galliano, Autumn/Winter 1994 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Gar?ons, Fall 2012 Cincinnati Art Museum; Museum Purchase: Lawrence Archer Wachs Trust, The Cynthea J. Bogel Collection
Photo by Rob Deslongchamps
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Silk Japanese kimono, 1850-1900 Cincinnati Art Museum; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Emery
Photo by Rob Deslongchamps
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Jean-Charles de Castelbajac coat, Spring/Summer 1996 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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John Galliano for Christian Dior, Spring/Summer 2001 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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Misses Turner Court Dress Makers (active late 19th century), London dress circa 1875 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Richard Haughton
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Detail
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Paul Poiret dress, 19201930 The Kyoto Cos-tume Institute
Photo by Masayuki Hayashi
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Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons Noir, Autumn/Winter 1991 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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Toshiko Yamawaki dress, 1956 Gift from Yamawaki Fashion Art College
The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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Detail
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Detail
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Yohji Yamamoto dress, Spring/Summer 1995 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama
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Silk textile, circa 1912 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Richard Haughton
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Yusuke Takahashi for Issey Miyake, Spring/Summer 2014 The Kyoto Costume Institute
Photo by Takashi Hatakeyama