exhibition

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk

On until Sunday 5 January

"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.

On until Sunday 5 January 2025

V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ

Exhibition Gallery

£7.00 - £15.00 £2 Discount for advance booking. Members and 18’s & Under go free. Other concessions apply.

Already a Member? You don't need to book.

Exhibition Trailer

Stories

Zandra Rhodes

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.

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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.

Mads Mikkelson as Garen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Kimono to Kamino: How the kimono influenced Star Wars

From the original Jedi robes to outfits worn by Queen Padmé Amidala, we caught up with costume designer Dave Crossman to find out how kimono inspired a galaxy far, far away.

Key Objects

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Outer-kimono for a woman (uchikake), probably Kyoto, 1860-80 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
fuji heartbreak kimono by Milligan Beaumont
Fuji Heartbreak Kimono, Milligan Beaumont, Stroud, 2019
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Night gown, Japan, 1700–20, © National Trust for Scotland, Newhailes
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Selection of kimono, including a two-piece ensemble (kamishimo) for a samurai (far left), Probably Kyoto, 1800–50, Sash (obi): Fukuoka, 2017, Hatata Takumi Kougei Inc.
A peach kimono depicting flowers and Japanese architecture.
Kimono owned by Freddie Mercury, Japan, 1950-70 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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Trouser suit, L’Wren Scott, New York, 2013, Given by Mick Jagger
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Kimono jacket by Alexander McQueen, London, Autumn/Winter 2003, Collection Ghislaine Wood

Shop

A book for Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk by Anna Jackson

A group of magnets with kimono designs

Chiyogami Kimono Magnet

A bag with floral design.

Cats and cherry blossom shoulder bag by Hayley Scanlan

Kintsugi Repair Kit

Kintsugi Repair Kit

A group of brooches with a fan design

Chiyogami Fan Brooch by Claire McVinnie

A poster for Kimono exhibition

Kimono Exhibition Poster

Supported by

Arnold Clark
V&A Foundation
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