Kansai Yamamoto held a catwalk show at London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) on November 1st. This marked the culmination of 20 years of work and a return to mainstream fashion, showcasing his new collection. Since 1993, Kansai has shifted focus from fashion to performing arts, and this marks his return to London 42 years after his debut in 1971, when he became the first Japanese designer to present a collection in London. The impetus for this event was the David Bowie exhibition held at the V&A this spring. Yamamoto's stage costumes, personally commissioned by Bowie, attracted the most attention at the exhibition, and the V&A encouraged the show to take place. The show began with a female model wearing a bold, Japanese-patterned kimono-style cape. As he stood on the runway, stagehands flanking him stripped off his cape, revealing the striped bodysuit Bowie wore on the Aladdin Sane tour, a gimmick similar to a Kabuki quick change.
The new collection that was unveiled next also featured Japanese elements throughout. Based on Nanban art that originated in the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the designs were inspired by the "Basara" style, which could be considered punk fashion at the time. Kansai Yamamoto's signature use of Japanese primary colors and extravagant patterns were adorned with ornate decorations. When Yamamoto appeared at the finale, the audience erupted in cheers and gave him a standing ovation.
The latest collection unveiled at the fashion show will be available for pre-sale at the TOKYO Kaihoku pop-up store on the second floor of Isetan Shinjuku from January 2 to 14, 2014.
