Japanese brand Yoshikimono to exhibit a Kimono collection at the V&A museum

Japanese fashion brand, Yoshikimono, has been chosen to exhibit a Kimono collection at the V&A Museum in London next week.

The innovative brand was founded 10 years ago by iconic Japanese rock star, Yoshki – who sold more than 30 million albums with the band X Japan. Debuting at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo in 2015, the brand has continued to gain more attention from around the world.

Yoshiki’s designs celebrate the traditional Japanese garment, the Kimono, whilst adding a ‘fashion contemporary twist’. The rock star turned fashion designer, has strong beliefs to introduce the Kimono to the world – especially younger generations. He hopes to preserve the Japanese tradition whilst introducing new concepts, following the brands theme a “fusion of tradition and innovation”.

The Kimono is often perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging, until now… Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk will counter this perception, and instead present the ultimate symbol of Japan as a ‘dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion’.

Key items of the exhibition include a Kimono created by textile artist and Living National Treasure of Japan Kunihiko Moriguchi, the dress made for Björk by Alexander McQueen and original Star Wars costumes. Designs from other brands, such as Yves Saint Laurent, will reveal the kimono as a source of influence and inspiration for other fashion designers. Over 315 other garments will also be featured, including a kimono especially made for the show.

This marks Europe’s first major exhibition of the Kimono, and will open at the V&A Museum on February 29.