Friends' Events

Cocktail Dress, c.1958 Christian Dior cocktail dress Collection of The Kyoto Costume Institute. Photo by Richard Haughton

Japonism in Fashion - Gala Opening
Thursday 11 December 2003

Japonism in Fashion is an extravaganza of more than one hundred beautiful garments, fabrics and accessories by the leading names in fashion over the last 150 years, including Charles Frederick Worth, Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny, Coco Chanel, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, Issey Miyake, Gucci, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Junya Watanabe for Commes des Garçons.

From the opulent, intricately patterned kimonos of the Victorian era to sensuous, cutting-edge fashions from the catwalks of Milan and Paris, Japanese design has influenced fashion the world over. This show provides an extraordinary opportunity to trace the path of the West's ongoing fascination with the East.

Presented by the Gallery in collaboration with the renown Kyoto Costume Institute, Japonism in Fashion is a truly stunning exhibition that should not be missed!

Japonism in Fashion opens on 12 December in the Touring and Borg Henry Galleries. The exhibition is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, in association with The Kyoto Costume Institute, and supported by The Japan Foundation.

Tickets selling fast! In association with the Friends of the Gallery, a lavish Gala Fundraising Reception is planned for the opening of this fabulous show on the evening of Thursday, 11 December. A glamorous occasion to match the calibre of the works on display, dress is black tie/formal/kimono. A limited number of tickets are available for $50 (Friends) and $75 (public). For more information contact the Friends office on (03) 941 7356.

Find out more about the Japonism in Fashion exhibition.