Japanese Fashion Gets Applauded in Exhibition

The Japanese has always their own distinct sense of style. Their designers present cutting edge work that has inspired many, both in street fashion and high fashion. For the first time in Europe, top Japanese designers, who have changed the industry with their avant-garde work, will be given the spotlight that explores the unique sensibility of Japanese design.

Curated by Japanese fashion historian, Akiko Fukai, Director of the Kyoko Costume Institute, this exhibition at London’s Barbican Art Gallery will showcase designers whose work has changed the industry in the 20th century. The exhibition, Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion, celebrates those whose constant innovation have pushed boundaries and forged a new aesthetics. Those included are Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. Their works are shown alongside a younger generation who they’ve inspired: techo-couturier Junya Watanabe, the acclaimed Jun Takahashi and the exciting Fumito Ganryu.

Today marks the opening of the exhibition. It boasts over 100 pieces from the last 30 years. Some have never been seen outside Japan.

Japanese designers took the fashion world by storm in the 1980s when they rejected the tight Western silhouette in favour of a more fluid silhouette. These radical garments are highlighted in the exhibition, which explores the relationship between design, art and culture in Japan.