V&A unveils behind-the-scenes tour of acclaimed Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition

‘Having closed the exhibition early, I am so pleased that we can share the kimono experience with viewers around the world,’ says curator

The Victoria & Albert Museum has given fans another opportunity to catch its acclaimed exhibition about the history of the kimono.

The exhibition, titled “Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk”, opened in late February but was forced to close after just two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, the London museum has released five videos on YouTube that take the viewer on a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibition narrated by the curator, Anna Jackson.

The exhibition is the first of its kind to be devoted entirely to the kimono in Europe.

It explores the social and sartorial significance of the kimono ranging from the 1660s to modern day.

Highlights include the Alexander McQueen dress designed for Björk that was worn on the cover of her album Homogenic, and designs by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano, all of which show the extent to which the kimono has inspired fashion designers over the years.

Additionally, several paintings, prints, and dress accessories feature throughout the exhibition to provide context for the history of the kimono.

Anna Jackson, curator of “Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk” at the V&A, said: “Having closed the exhibition early, I am so pleased that we can share the kimono experience with viewers around the world.

(Victoria & Albert Museum) (Victoria & Albert Museum)

“Many of you will be at home in lockdown, so I hope you will enjoy the opportunity to escape on a journey that will take us from the sophisticated culture of 17th century Japan to the creativity of the contemporary catwalk.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the V&A again soon, so you can encounter these sumptuous garments and exciting displays for yourself.”