The Met Takes a Deep Dive Into the Origins of the Kimono
Showcasing the historical connection between the kimono and Western fashion.
There’s a new exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that takes a deep dive into the history of the kimono. Since its early days as a sophisticated garment for Japanese women and nobility, the kimono has transgressed from one strata of society to another — playing muse to a number of Western fashion designers, such as Madeleine Vionnet and Cristóbal Balenciaga.
“Kimono Style: The John C. Weber Collection” presents an extraordinary collection of garments, artifacts, drawings and paintings that piece together a comprehensive history of the kimono, from the late Edo period (1615–1868) through the early 20th century.
The exhibition plays special emphasis on the connection between the kimono and Western fashion, by presenting 60 kimonos alongside Western garments, paintings, prints, and decorative art objects. To complement the event, the Met has released a 176-page catalog documenting the rare works in the show. “Kimono Style: The John C. Weber Collection” is on view at The Met until February 20, 2023.
On the topic of exhibitions, Perrotin presents Regarde-moi.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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