Yohji Yamamoto Exhibit is coming to the V&A

Yohji Yamamoto was born in Tokyo in 1943. He studies at Keio University before attending Bunko Fashion College. In 1972 he set up Y’s Incorporated and has been seen as a true innovator in fashion ever since.

The unique cut and unusual structure of his clothes has always been in opposition to the more form fitted style of the catwalk. His designs have rewritten a lot of fashion rules creating an almost genderless look. He’s acknowledged with changing clothing stereotypes and his ladieswear ranges often include pieces more often seen in menswear ranges.

His choice of fabrics are vital to his designs and most are made in Japan using traditional fabric making techniques.

The exhibit will chronicle his many collaborations including his work with notable photographers, choreographers and film makers.

This will be his first solo exhibition in London and is a true commemoration of his work. A must see for all Yamamoto fans. It will feature over 80 of his designs and explore his work and his influence on the fashion world. The pieces will be situated all over the V & A – in the Leighton corridor, Norfolk House Music Room, Hinkze sculture galleries, on marble staircases, in the renaissance city gallery and within the tapestry gallery.

The exhibit runs from 12th March till the 10th July.

Its been designed by Yohjis scenographer and lighting designer Masao Nihei. The garments will be displayed along with footage from shows, films, performance footage and photos to really get a sense of his long and illustrious career. He’s previously had successful exhibits in Florence, Paris and Antwerp. But this is the first to feature his menwear collections including his infamous 1998 show where the menswear range was modelled on female models.

The V&A is located at

Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL

Website

Yohji Yamamoto & Adidas – Y-3 Collection A/W 2010/11

Fall of October 2002 saw the first of the Y-3 collaborations between Yamamoto and Adidas. You wouldn't have thought that Yohji's flawless designs and adidas sportswear aesthetic would be a good fit but between them they managed to create a truly beautiful and immensely popular range of clothing. The clothing includes sportswear for those who don't wear sportswear and some truly original footwear that appeals to both those who love adidas' brand of streetwear and some less street items for those of us who don't like to wear 'trainers'.

They have regularly collaborated since then and they continue to impress me. Their A/W 2011 collection is truly 'Yohji'. His clothing has a distinctly original feel and look to it with form fitted garments often in his signature colour - black. He has created trainers for women that are sexy and feminine often with a wedge and full of colour to give a brighter look to his collection.



He is one of my favorite designers and he has transformed the way Japanese designers are seen in the West. Collaborating with Adidas means those of us without a designer budget can still afford to wear items that are distinctly Yamamoto.

I'm in love with the wedge trainers in the 8th picture. I love the bright colours. In this collection they even do heels :)

What's your favorite items my dear readers :)

Fuyume

Yohji Yamamoto’s Mens & Ladieswear Collections

Yohji Yamamoto’s s/s 2011 menswear collection is Louis XIII inspired with masses of florals and unconstructed suits. Long flowing tops, cropped pants beautifully played up with 18th century hairstyles and knee high socks. These are the type of outfits that you could imagine Louis XIII wearing.


His ladieswear collection is a gothic inspired extravaganza in muted shades of black and cream. Cotton and mesh his materials of choice. The black garments were long and flowing and structured cream dresses.