The exhibition "The Immortality of Elegance: A Look at the Path and Future of Jun Ashida, One Essence of Fashion" opened on December 3rd at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi and runs until the 8th.
This exhibition, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jun Ashida's founding, was directed by designer Tae Ashida, Jun Ashida's daughter. The venue is composed of seven zones. Zone 1, based on the theme "What is Elegance?", features a three-minute animation depicting Jun Ashida's encounter with charismatic creator Junichi Nakahara, which inspired him to pursue a career as a designer. The famous interlude from Italian composer Pietro Mascagni's opera "Cavalleria Rusticana," a favorite of Ashida and one he has used in his collections, plays in the background. Also featured are videos showcasing the Jun Ashida brand from the 1950s to the present. Zone 2, "Conditions of Elegance," introduces the Jun Ashida Maison. Five monitors feature footage of Jun Ashida's hands, capturing the entire process, from designing to drawing, fitting, sewing, and finishing by his atelier technicians. Three representative pieces showcasing his technical expertise, including a 1990 cocktail jacket. Zone 3, "Crystallization of Elegance," showcases a wedding dress that fulfills the conditions for elegance and is a symbol of the Maison. Zone 4, "Memories of Elegance," explores the designer's worldview and the history of the Maison through the things, people, events, and turning points Jun Ashida loved, unraveling the history of high fashion in Japan and the social climate. Video messages from celebrities close to Ashida, including actresses Ruriko Asaoka and Norika Fujiwara, and kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, are also shown. The exhibition will also feature sketchbooks and favorite books from his childhood, letters, tennis match records, and design drawings and dolls by his mentor Junichi Nakahara. Ashida has previously worked on children's clothing, and this exhibit features rare design drawings and actual products sold. Hand-drawn design drawings and photographs from when Ashida received orders from the Imperial Family will also be on display.
Zone 5, "The Pursuit of Elegance," explores the "timeless elegance" that has underpinned Ashida's creations for over half a century, focusing on the fusion of architectural design and couture. Fifty archive pieces will be exhibited under eight themes: "SPIRIT of Jun Ashida," "WEDDING DRESS," "GOLD," "DAZZLING," "PASTELS AND FLOWERS," "ART," "SCULPTURAL," "GRAPHICAL," and "FLUID." The high-end ready-to-wear collection, which pursues aesthetic beauty, evokes the dynamics of each era, with its layered, three-dimensional tiered pants "Bombu(R)," dazzling sequined dresses, and tiered dresses with sculptural curves. Zone 6, "The Latest in Elegance," features a video presentation of key items from the Jun Ashida 15 Spring/Summer collection. Zone 7, "The Possibilities of Elegance," explores the world of Jun Ashida's original "Compass(R)" donut-shaped shawl with a hollowed-out center. This exhibit showcases a collaboration between internationally renowned designer Christian Lacroix and professional dancer TAKAHIRO. Lacroix, who gained experience at Jun Ashida, created a fuchsia pink dress using Compass(R). The dress is decorated with an orchid corsage and ribbons as a memento of his work with Ashida. TAKAHIRO will present a video of himself performing while wearing Compass(R). Messages of Jun Ashida's life philosophy are displayed throughout the venue. The exhibition concludes with a special contribution by artist Yayoi Kusama, "A Message About Fashion," and messages from fashion historians Kaori Nakano and Tae Ashida. Tae Ashida said, "I wanted to create an exhibition that objectively captures what my father has seen and offers insight into the future. This exhibition traces the essence of Jun Ashida, created together with outside collaborators who have been involved with him up until now. My father hates looking back at the past, so I wasn't involved in the planning. However, visiting the exhibition today and seeing him in tears once again brought home to me the depth of history." [Event Information] The Immortality of Elegance. -One essence of fashion as seen in the trajectory and future of Jun Ashida-
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: December 3rd to 8th
Time: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays)
Free admission
