Page 12 - Dengonnet Magazene 2025

Kimono: NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates the artistry and elegance of the
iconic Japanese garment and features 30+ never-before-seen acquisitions
Kimono: NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates the artistry and elegance of the
Kimono | NGV International, St Kilda Road | 4 June – 5 October 2025 | Ticketed
iconic Japanese garment and features 30+ never-before-seen acquisitions
Kimono | NGV International, St Kilda Road | 4 June – 5 October 2025 | Ticketed
248 April 2025: Featuring rare and
Further highlights are two colourful and vibrant ensembles designed by the late
Kimono: NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates the artistry and elegance of the
hand-crafted kimono from the Edo
Japanese fashion icon Issey Miyake, who in 2016 collaborated with the estate of
iconic Japanese garment and features 30+ never-before-seen acquisitions
period to today, Kimono is a brand-
graphic designer Ikko Tanaka to reproduce his striking poster designs on haori
Kimono | NGV International, St Kilda Road | 4 June – 5 October 2025 | Ticketed new, NGV-curated exhibition that
coats and accessories. Realised in Miyaki’s signature pleated fabric, the garments
explores the timeless elegance and ered in bright block colours reminiscent of wood
feature Tanaka’s graphic faces rend
enduring appeal of this ic
248 April 2025: Featuring rare and onic Japanese
block prints. Works by Yohji Yamamoto showcase the designer’s exploration of
hand-crafted kimono from the Edo
garment. Celebrated throughout the
Japanese garment typologies, enmeshing these with Western tailoring techniques.
world for its meticulous craftsmanship
period to today, Kimono is a brand-
and sophisticated sense of style, the
new, NGV-curated exhibition that plosive and dynamic influence of Japanese culture on the West
Demonstrating the ex
Kimono: NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates the artistry and elegance of the
Kimono: NGV-exclusive exhibition celebrates the artistry and elegance of the
explores the timeless elegance and
during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries (a period known art historically
kimono has had an indelible influence
iconic Japanese garment and features 30+ never-before-seen acquisitions
iconic Japanese garment and features 30+ never-before-seen acquisitions
enduring appeal of this iconic Japanese
as Japonisme), the exhibition also includes examples of early twentieth-century
on global art, design and fashion
garment. Celebrated throughout the
Kimono | NGV International, St Kilda Road | 4 June – 5 October 2025 | Ticketed culture since Japan opened its borders
Western fashion inspired by the kimono’s iconic design and silhouette, including a
Kimono | NGV International, St Kilda Road | 4 June – 5 October 2025 | Ticketed
world for its meticulous craftsmanship
Coat manufactured by Liberty & Co, an Evening coat by Parisian couturier Callout
to the world in the mid-nineteenth
and sophisticated sense of style, the 248 April 2025: Featuring rare and
Soeurs and Day coat by Parisian-couturier Paul Poiret. Also drawing attention to
248 April 2025: Featuring rare and
century.
kimono has had an indelible influence hand-crafted kimono from the Edo
hand-crafted kimono from the Edo
the resurgence of Japanese influences from the 1980s onwards, the exhibition

on global art, design and fashion period to today, Kimono is a brand-
period to today, Kimono is a brand-
features more recent garments by John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy,
Opening June 4, 2025, at NGV
culture since Japan opened its borders new, NGV-curated exhibition that
new, NGV-curated exhibition that
Zambesi and Rudi Gernreich that reference the design vocabulary of the kimono.
International, the exhibition Kimono
to the world in the mid-nineteenth explores the timeless elegance and
explores the timeless elegance and
Also, on display is work by Sydney-based fashion designer Akira Isogawa, whose
century. comprises more than 70 breath-taking enduring appeal of this iconic Japanese
enduring appeal of this iconic Japanese
practice draws on the form and decoration of the kimono.
garments made from the world’s finest
garment. Celebrated throughout the garment. Celebrated throughout the
silk, embellished with
Opening June 4, 2025, at NGV gold and silver world for its meticulous craftsmanship
world for its meticulous craftsmanship
The exhibition highlights Japan’s recent kimono revival and current fashion trends
embroidery and featuring
International, the exhibition Kimono beautiful and sophisticated sense of style, the
and sophisticated sense of style, the
through works by innovative new designers like Robe Japonica, Modern Antenna,
comprises more than 70 breath-taking
kimono has had an indelible influence
scenes of flowers, the seasons and kimono has had an indelible influence
Tamao Shigemune, Rumi Rock and Y&SONS. The selection includes the latest
garments made from the world’s finest on global art, design and fashion
auspicious motifs – all presented within
on global art, design and fashion
in Harajuku street fashion, cute “kawaii” styles, playful gothic and new dandyism.
silk, embellished with gold and silver culture since Japan opened its borders
a dazzling exhibition design that
culture since Japan opened its borders
The exhibition also celebrates the transformative achievements and influence of
embroidery and featuring beautiful
compliments and amplifies the kimono’s sense of restrained luxury and functional simplicity. Drawn primarily from the to the world in the mid-nineteenth
to the world in the mid-nineteenth
twentieth-century masters, who are rightly recognised as national treasures in
scenes of flowers, the seasons and
century.
NGV Collection, the works on display include 30+ never-before-seen kimono new to the NGV Collection, as well as century.
their native Japan. This includes brightly coloured kimono designed by Serizawa
auspicious motifs – all presented within

150+ paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts. Keisuke, whose mastery of resist dying techniques created bold and graphic
Opening June 4, 2025, at NGV International, the exhibition Kimono comprises
a dazzling exhibition design that
more than 70 breath-taking garments made from the world’s finest silk, embellished Opening June 4, 2025, at NGV Opening June 4, 2025, at NGV
kimono patterns that became especially popular in New York and Paris.
compliments and amplifies the kimono’s sense of restrained luxury and functional simplicity. Drawn primarily from the International, the exhibition Kimono
International, the exhibition Kimono
Showcasing the ongoing evolution of the kimono in contemporary culture and the latest trends within Japan, the
with gold and silver embroidery and featuring beautiful scenes of flowers,
NGV Collection, the works on display include 30+ never-before-seen kimono new to the NGV Collection, as well as comprises more than 70 breath-taking
comprises more than 70 breath-taking
exhibition presents the work of historical artisans alongside contemporary Japanese kimono designers, including
Also on display are three elaborate kimono costumes from noh and kyogen
the seasons and auspicious motifs – all presented within a dazzling exhibition
150+ paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts. garments made from the world’s finest garments made from the world’s finest
theatre, classical forms of Japanese drama combining stylised movement, masks
design that compliments and amplifies the kimono’s sense of restrained luxury
Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica and more. Revealing the global appeal of the kimono,
silk, embellished with gold and silver
silk, embellished with gold and silver
the work of international fashion houses and designers also feature, including Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John
and music. Made from magnificent brocade fabric with scintillating silver and gold
and functional simplicity. Drawn primarily from the NGV Collection, the works on
Showcasing the ongoing evolution of the kimono in contemporary culture and the latest trends within Japan, the embroidery and featuring beautiful
embroidery and featuring beautiful
thread, these extravagant costumes are characteristic of the beautiful kimono worn
display include 30+ never-before-seen kimono new to the NGV Collection, as well
Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen and more.
exhibition presents the work of historical artisans alongside contemporary Japanese kimono designers, including scenes of flowers, the seasons and
scenes of flowers, the seasons and
in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by Japanese nobility. The garments
as 150+ paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts.

Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica and more. Revealing the global appeal of the kimono, auspicious motifs – all presented within
auspicious motifs – all presented within
are displayed alongside material swatches, performance masks and lacquerware,
the work of international fashion houses and designers also feature, including Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John
Highlights include Australian-premiere of 2025 designs by acclaimed contemporary kimono designer Jotaro Saito, a dazzling exhibition design that
a dazzling exhibition design that
Showcasing the ongoing evolution of the kimono in contemporary culture and the
hand-chosen especially for Melbourne audiences. Saito is descended from a family of textile artisans in Kyoto. Since
Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen and more. offering Australian audiences a rare insight into Japan’s revered theatre culture.
compliments and amplifies the kimono’s sense of restrained luxury and functional simplicity. Drawn primarily from the
compliments and amplifies the kimono’s sense of restrained luxury and functional simplicity. Drawn primarily from the
latest trends within Japan, the exhibition presents the work of historical artisans
his debut at the age of 27 as one of kimono's youngest designers, Saito has developed a reputation for lavishly
NGV Collection, the works on display include 30+ never-before-seen kimono new to the NGV Collection, as well as
NGV Collection, the works on display include 30+ never-before-seen kimono new to the NGV Collection, as well as
alongside contemporary Japanese kimono designers, including Hiroko Takahashi,
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said: ‘Hot on the heels of the record-
Highlights include Australian-premiere of 2025 designs by acclaimed contemporary kimono designer Jotaro Saito,
150+ paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts.
decorated yet strikingly modern kimono ensembles, highlighting the ways in which kimono designs continue to adapt
150+ paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts.
Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica and more. Revealing the global appeal of
breaking blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama, the NGV is gearing up to celebrate
hand-chosen especially for Melbourne audiences. Saito is descended from a family of textile artisans in Kyoto. Since
to contemporary life, culture and tastes. For NGV audiences, Saito will present designs from his most recent

Japanese culture and artistry once more with this incredible fashion and design
the kimono, the work of international fashion houses and designers also feature,
his debut at the age of 27 as one of kimono's youngest designers, Saito has developed a reputation for lavishly
Showcasing the ongoing evolution of the kimono in contemporary culture and the latest trends within Japan, the
Showcasing the ongoing evolution of the kimono in contemporary culture and the latest trends within Japan, the
collection, Dark Romantic, which features garments embellished with hand stencilled and hand painted traditional
showcase. Part of an exciting line up of exhibitions for the NGV this winter, Kimono
including Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano, Comme des Garçon,
decorated yet strikingly modern kimono ensembles, highlighting the ways in which kimono designs continue to adapt
exhibition presents the work of historical artisans alongside contemporary Japanese kimono designers, including
exhibition presents the work of historical artisans alongside contemporary Japanese kimono designers, including
yuzen techniques.
is set to attract visitors from near and far to Melbourne, providing a boost to our
Alexander McQueen and more.
to contemporary life, culture and tastes. For NGV audiences, Saito will present designs from his most recent
Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica and more. Revealing the global appeal of the kimono,
Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Rumi Rock, Robe Japonica and more. Revealing the global appeal of the kimono,

economy and yet another reason to visit Australia’s most popular gallery.’
collection, Dark Romantic, which features garments embellished with hand stencilled and hand painted traditional
the work of international fashion houses and designers also feature, including Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John
the work of international fashion houses and designers also feature, including Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John
Seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimono – adorned with wisteria tendrils, maple leaves, falling snow
Highlights include Australian-premiere of 2025 designs by acclaimed contemporary
yuzen techniques. Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen and more.
Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen and more.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said: ‘Kimono – and the timeless sense of style
kimono designer Jotaro Saito, hand-chosen especially for Melbourne audiences.
and other motifs – offer a glimpse into the style and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the

eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Highlights include a traditional red wedding kimono decorated in bamboo, pine
they embody – are true icons of global fashion culture and an instantly-recognisable
Saito is descended from a family of textile artisans in Kyoto. Since his debut
Seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimono – adorned with wisteria tendrils, maple leaves, falling snow
Highlights include Australian-premiere of 2025 designs by acclaimed contemporary kimono designer Jotaro Saito,
Highlights include Australian-premiere of 2025 designs by acclaimed contemporary kimono designer Jotaro Saito,
and crane motifs using a special Japanese tie-dye technique, known as shibori. Illuminating an Australian Japanese
symbol of Japan. Featuring exquisite, hand-crafted kimono worn by Japanese
at the age of 27 as one of kimono's youngest designers, Saito has developed
and other motifs – offer a glimpse into the style and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the
hand-chosen especially for Melbourne audiences. Saito is descended from a family of textile artisans in Kyoto. Since
hand-chosen especially for Melbourne audiences. Saito is descended from a family of textile artisans in Kyoto. Since
story the exhibition also includes a white wedding kimono gifted by the Melbourne-based family of the late Funiko
a reputation for lavishly decorated yet strikingly modern kimono ensembles,
shogun, samurai, merchants and stage performers, this exhibition narrates the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Highlights include a traditional red wedding kimono decorated in bamboo, pine
his debut at the age of 27 as one of kimono's youngest designers, Saito has developed a reputation for lavishly
his debut at the age of 27 as one of kimono's youngest designers, Saito has developed a reputation for lavishly
Saito, who once worked as the official embroiderer to the Japanese imperial f
and crane motifs using a special Japanese tie-dye technique, known as shibori. Illuminating an Australian Japanese
highlighting the ways in which kimono designs continue to adapt to contemporary amily. garment’s rich history with sophistication and flare through more than 60 works
decorated yet strikingly modern kimono ensembles, highlighting the ways in which kimono designs continue to adapt
decorated yet strikingly modern kimono ensembles, highlighting the ways in which kimono designs continue to adapt

story the exhibition also includes a white wedding kimono gifted by the Melbourne-bas from the NGV Collection, bringing this area of our holdings together for the very
life, culture and tastes. For NGV audiences, Saito will present designs from his ed family of the late Funiko
to contemporary life, culture and tastes. For NGV audiences, Saito will present designs from his most recent
to contemporary life, culture and tastes. For NGV audiences, Saito will present designs from his most recent
-continues-
most recent collection, Dark Romantic, which features garments embellished with
Saito, who once worked as the official embroiderer to the Japanese imperial family. first time.’
collection, Dark Romantic, which features garments embellished with hand stencilled and hand painted traditional
collection, Dark Romantic, which features garments embellished with hand stencilled and hand painted traditional

hand stencilled and hand painted traditional yuzen techniques.
yuzen techniques.
yuzen techniques.
-continues- Following a loose chronology, the exhibition explores key themes and periods

Seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimono – adorned with wisteria in kimono fashion history, such as childrenswear, modernism, the seasons and
Seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimono – adorned with wisteria tendrils, maple leaves, falling snow
Seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimono – adorned with wisteria tendrils, maple leaves, falling snow
tendrils, maple leaves, falling snow and other motifs – offer a glimpse into the the macabre. The exhibition showcases the breadth of materials used for textile
and other motifs – offer a glimpse into the style and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the
and other motifs – offer a glimpse into the style and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Highlights include a traditional red wedding kimono decorated in bamboo, pine
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Highlights include a traditional red wedding kimono decorated in bamboo, pine
style and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the eighteenth production throughout Japanese history, including silk, cotton, hemp, metallic
and crane motifs using a special Japanese tie-dye technique, known as shibori. Illuminating an Australian Japanese
and nineteenth centuries. Highlights include a traditional red wedding kimono thread, paper, elm bark, banana tree fibre and deer leather. The exhibition also
and crane motifs using a special Japanese tie-dye technique, known as shibori. Illuminating an Australian Japanese

draws attention to the diverse skills mastered by traditional artisans, including
story the exhibition also includes a w
decorated in bamboo, pine and crane motifs using a special Japanese tie-dye hite wedding kimono gifted by the Melbourne-based family of the late Funiko
story the exhibition also includes a white wedding kimono gifted by the Melbourne-based family of the late Funiko
Saito, who once worked as the official embroiderer to the Japanese imperial family.
Saito, who once worked as the official embroiderer to the Japanese imperial family.

technique, known as shibori. Illuminating an Australian Japanese story the shibori tie-dye, rice paste resist designs and indigo blue dyeing techniques.

exhibition also includes a white wedding kimono gifted by the Melbourne-based Kimono is on display from 4 June – 5 October 2025 at NGV International, St Kilda

-continues-
-continues-
family of the late Funiko Saito, who once worked as the official embroiderer to the Road, Melbourne. Entry fees apply. Tickets and information are available via the

Japanese imperial family. NGV website: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/kimono/

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