To commemorate the centennial of fashion designer Hanae Mori's (1926–2022) birth, the first large-scale exhibition since her death, "100 Years Since the Birth: Hanae Mori: Vital Type," will be held at the National Art Center, Tokyo (Roppongi, Tokyo) in spring 2026. Hanae Mori captivated the world with her flamboyant designs, symbolized by her "butterfly dress," and propelled the Japanese fashion world onto the international stage. This exhibition, which explores her achievements once again, will delve into the heart of her creativity, bringing together approximately 400 costumes and design materials, as well as never-before-seen weaving samples and original drawings.



A Path on the Global Stage
Mori began her career creating costumes for films in the 1950s. In 1961, she advocated her own unique fashion philosophy known as "Vital Type," which combined women's lifestyles and the spirit of the times with their clothing. She became a pioneering Japanese designer, participating in the New York Collection in 1965 and becoming the first Asian to be accepted as a full member of the Paris Haute Couture Association in 1977.



Highlights of the Exhibition
In addition to internationally acclaimed evening dresses and stage costumes, the exhibition will also feature creations made using traditional Japanese fabrics such as Nishijin-ori and Nagahama Chirimen, which Mori loved. Her approach, which combines traditional techniques with fashion, offers a fresh surprise even in the modern era. In addition, the exhibition will highlight Mori's role as an information disseminator through magazines and the TV program "Fashion Tsushin," allowing visitors to experience the multifaceted legacy of Mori, who was much more than just a designer.



A stage where the city and culture intersect
The venue, the National Art Center, Tokyo, is characterized by its large, pillar-free exhibition space. It is the perfect environment to showcase Mori's works, which are themed around the intersection of Western and Eastern, and Japanese culture and urban culture. Works from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will also be on display, making it a noteworthy venue for international cultural exchange.



A spirit passed down through generations
Her granddaughters, Izumi Mori and Hikari Mori, also released comments regarding the opening of this exhibition. Izumi Mori said, "I am proud of the way my grandmother has continued to inspire so many people through her work," while Hikari Mori commented, "I would like to pass on the aesthetic sense I inherited from Hanae Mori to the next generation," conveying that the sensibility and way of life inherited from their grandmother live on in the next generation of artists. This once again highlights how Hanae Mori's presence goes beyond the confines of her family and continues to have a major impact on Japanese fashion as a whole.






Inquiries:
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The National Art Center, Tokyo Website: https://nact.jp