Step into a world of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance with Kimono, a brand-new, NGV-curated exhibition celebrating the enduring allure of Japan’s most iconic garment. Opening on June 4, 2025, at NGV International, this breathtaking showcase explores the kimono’s profound influence on global art, fashion, and design—from the Edo period to today.
Featuring more than 70 meticulously crafted garments, the exhibition highlights the kimono’s unparalleled artistry, from sumptuous silks adorned with gold and silver embroidery to delicate seasonal motifs.
Visitors canmarvel at 30+ never-before-seen kimono newly acquired by the NGV, alongside 150+ paintings, prints, and decorative arts that illuminate the garment’s cultural significance.
The exhibition bridges past and present, pairing historical masterpieces with contemporary innovations. Discover the work of modern designers like Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, and Rumi Rock, whose creations push the boundaries of tradition. A standout is the Australian premiere of Jotaro Saito’s 2025 collection, Dark Romantic, featuring hand-painted yuzen techniques that blend lavish decoration with modern sensibilities.
Rare Edo-period kimono transport viewers to the world of samurai and merchants, while a white wedding kimono gifted by a Melbourne-based family tells a touching Australian-Japanese story. The global impact of the kimono is further explored through designs by Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Alexander McQueen, as well as Western interpretations by Liberty & Co. and Paul Poiret.
From Harajuku street fashion to noh theatre costumes, Kimono captures the garment’s endless reinvention.
As NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM notes, “Kimono are true icons of global fashion culture—an instantly recognizable symbol of Japan.”
Don’t miss this dazzling journey through history, artistry, and style. Kimono runs until October 5, 2025—book your tickets now at NGV.MELBOURNE.
