"A revelation... full of individual glories: of fabrics, embroidered or stencilled, boldly or delicately patterned, both sumptuous and simple, muted and radiant." - The Guardian
From samurai style and geisha chic, to Jedi knights and rock stars, explore the fascinating story of the significance, appeal and influence of this iconic garment.
Showing the kimono as a dynamic, ever-evolving icon of fashion, the exhibition traces its evolution and influence from 17th century Japan to today’s cutting-edge couture and street fashion across the world.
The beauty and importance of the kimono, meaning simply ‘the thing to wear’, is celebrated with an extraordinary collection of around 300 garments, accessories, paintings, prints, photographs and film clips from the V&A and collections around the world.
This is the final chance to see these rare works together on the last stop of the exhibition’s international tour.
Exhibition Trailer
Stories
Dame Zandra Rhodes – Freddie Mercury & Kimono
To celebrate the birthday of iconic Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, we caught up with Dame Zandra Rhodes about what it was like to design an outfit for him, and where his love of kimono came from.
Our favourite objects in Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk
To give you a glimpse inside our latest exhibition, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, we asked the team to tell us about their favourite objects.