A woman wearing a kimono against a blue background.

exhibition

Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk

Opening Saturday 4 May 2024

"A revelation... full of individual glories: of fabrics, embroidered or stencilled, boldly or delicately patterned, both sumptuous and simple, muted and radiant." - The Guardian

From samurai style and geisha chic, to Jedi knights and rock stars, explore the fascinating story of the significance, appeal and influence of this iconic garment in our next major exhibition, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk.

Showing the kimono as a dynamic, ever-evolving icon of fashion, the exhibition traces its evolution and influence from 17th century Japan to today’s cutting-edge couture and street fashion across the world.

The beauty and importance of the kimono, meaning simply ‘the thing to wear’, is celebrated with an extraordinary collection of around 300 garments, accessories, paintings, prints, photographs and film clips from the V&A and collections around the world.

This is the final chance to see these rare works together on the last stop of the exhibition’s international tour.

Opening Saturday 4 May 2024

V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ

Exhibition Gallery

£7.00 - £15.00 £2 Discount for advance booking. Members and 18’s & Under go free. Other concessions apply.

Already a Member? You don't need to book.

Key Objects

A mannequin with a kimono depicting a woman.
Outer-kimono for a woman (uchikake), probably Kyoto, 1860-80 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
A blue kimono depicting traditional Japanese water plants and birds.
Kimono for export, probably Kyoto, 1905-15 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
A golden kimono depicting traditional Japanese flower and trees.
Kimono for a woman (kosode), probably Kyoto, 1680- 1705 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
A peach kimono depicting flowers and Japanese architecture.
Kimono owned by Freddie Mercury, Japan, 1950-70 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
A red kimono with a star-like pattern on a stand
Kimono for a young woman (furisode), probably Kyoto, 1800-50 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Supported by

Arnold Clark
V&A Foundation
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