Fashion in Motion shows at the V&A Museum have been going on for a number of years now, and I have had the pleasure of attending several in the past, however I wasn't prepared for the visual spectacle that was their most recent event.
When invited as a guest of YKK to attend the Kansai Yamamoto show last weekend, I jumped at the chance (they were one of the show's sponsors - FACT: there were 611 zips used in his collection!). I wasn't previously familiar with the designer's work, but as the first Japanese designer to show in London back in 1971 - a show which, at the time, was described by Harpers & Queen as 'The Show of the Year' - I knew it was going to be something special...
Yamamoto has since become known for his spectacularly avant-garde designs; subtle an understated this man is not. As guests were seated at the show to Kimono-clad models already gliding around the room, I had the sneaking suspicion we were in for something out of the ordinary. It certainly didn't disappoint.
From the opening seconds I realised this would be so much more than a standard catwalk show. From start to finish it was a riot of colour, pattern, sculptural tailoring, layers, textures, sound and movement - I almost didn't know where to look, every second was so captivating. The opening outfit was instantly recognisable as as iconic costume designed by Yamamoto for David Bowie's 1973 Aladdin Sane tour, and was revealed to rapturous applause from the whole room.
Yamamoto had also become known over the last twenty years for his show productions, combining fashion with music, dance and entertainment - sometimes on an enormous scale. This Fashion in Motion didn't disappoint, with models dancing and leaping down the catwalk to a traditional-sounding soundtrack.
Kansai Yamamoto explained the concept behind his Fashion in Motion collection as, ‘In Japan the word BASARA means to dress freely, with a stylish extravagance. BASARA is the opposite of the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which is underplayed and modest; it is colourful and flamboyant and it lies at the heart of my design. I am excited to present this to at the V&A.’
Whilst every garment that graced the catwalk was a visual masterpiece, the standout for me had to be a dress of which the bodice appeared to be sculpted from resin, holding a screen in the centre, with a voluminous silk skirt printed with vibrant flowers. The model wearing it paused at the end of the catwalk and delighted the crowd with a burst of interpretive dance, leaving the audience in awe of the brilliance of this visionary designer.
As if the fantastic show wasn't enough, I then had the privilege of being invited to a reception after the event with the designer himself and the Japanese Ambassador - a real honour. If you ever have the opportunity to see one of this gentleman's show again you must take it with both hands you will never see another 'fashion show' like it.
With thanks to YKK for inviting me. For more information on Kansai Yamamoto visit www.kansai-inc.co.jp
Love Laurel x
