V&A, Yohji Yamamoto Exhibition (Yes, This is Old News)

For as long as I can remember, which granted isn't all that long, I have read about the Yohji Yamamoto exhibition at the V&A, and today I finally passed judgement with my own eyes. From the exhibition staff, well presented, but casual in T-Shirts and trousers, the whole thing was an aesthetically pleasing experience.

The clothes spoke for themselves, protruding from a completely blank canvass, save some (what looked like) finger paintings on the walls. Probably the most iconic for me was this yellow strapless silk dress, and oversized hat to match from the S/S 97 collection.

The simplistic fluidity of what Yamamoto creates is at once understated, while at the same time, completely avant garde and dramatic. He plays with colour and texture; creating a garment that is structurally perfect, and then deconstructing it. 

Nestled to the side were video installations of Yamamoto's catwalk shows, where many a fashion student stood nonchalantly, taking notes, making comment, looking good. I watched them as much I did the clothes. 

Some of the pieces were neither here nor there for me, I didn't love it all, but there were definitely some standout items that I would have given any limb for. 

The exhibition proved to be a great timeline to a wonderful designers career, and definitely worth a visit. Totally softened the blow of the textiles room being closed. 

Ash x