Exhibition - Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk / Curator Tour (5 of 5)

This is 1 of 5 films that take you on a personal curator tour of our exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk.
Captured as the museum was closing its doors for a while, curator Anna Jackson guides you through the exhibition spaces, providing a personal insight into the making of the show, star exhibits and the fascinating history of the kimono. Sometimes perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk counters this conception, presenting the garment as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion.
The exhibition reveals the sartorial, aesthetic and social significance of kimono from the 1660s to today, both in Japan and the rest of the world.
This film looks at: Kimono fashion today | codification of kimono | wedding kimono | Living National Treasures | revival of hemp | kimono renaissance | international fashion | kimono collaborations | kimono in film | kimono and music performance

[@leandamorrison2115]

This was on my list to go and see before the world went crazy. Thanks for letting us see it V&A. Stunning.

[@helohalo3106]

I’m obsessed with this expo I hope there will be a book published in regards to it. What a phenomenal and insightful guide through, thank you Anna.

[@lizgardiner7765]

Saw the exhibition before lockdown and bought the accompanying book. The exhibition was a delight and the book has joy on every page.

[@8MINNE]

I feel very lucky to have seen this exhibition on it’s opening day! For people who haven’t, these videos give a very good overview. And there’s also a wonderful catalogue!!

[@jennybeal4439]

fascinating series of films. Thank you for brightening lock-down and showing us the exhibition.

[@lindakelly6396]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@bridgetkoupriaynov4752]

So funny how this popped up while I'm sitting here crocheting a kimono style sweater from a pattern in one of my Japanese crochet books. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@paperprincess1050]

Oh that sounds cool

[@elainebradleyceramist]

Bridget Koupriaynov show us the pattern please?

[@bridgetkoupriaynov4752]

@@elainebradleyceramist I'm so sorry, I didn't see this request until now. The pattern is out of a Japanese crochet book (I'm obsessed with them). Here is an image of the kimono style sweater I finished... instagram.com/p/CAyY2fDpm42/

[@leononchik]

The workmanship of the older pieces is simply stunning. Truly, these are works of art. Thank you for sharing.

[@4MaryJaneInsane]

I wanna see it in real!!! This is so well curated and told! Thank you for making this possible! So everyone around the world has the opportunity to see an exhibition!

[@sharonasher7222]

We’ve just finished all 5 videos from the Kimono exhibition and just wanted to say a big thank you for posting, so enjoyable but tinged with sadness that we may not get to see it in person (mind you having Anna Jackson narrating bought it to life and was so inspiring it’s made us want to know more).

[@lizagreen5536]

Probably won’t get to see the exhibition in the flesh, this series has helped to make me feel less disappointed. Wonderful, thank you. Shame about the few negative comments.

[@susanfraser6371]

I would have loved to see this wonderful exhibition in person, but live in Canada, so I very much appreciate this guided visit. Thank you.

[@NikoBar7]

so beautiful, had a tear in my eye... Thank you V&A

[@tianag7576]

Thank you so much for giving an opportunity to e-visit this wonderful exhibition to non-London based fans of Japan! ❤

[@cynthiareimer2020]

What a treat! When so many of us miss travel, this is so welcome and beautifully done.

[@evelynzak5084]

So beautiful! I enjoyed seeing this so much, the curator, presentation and of course the exquisite Kimono! Thank You!

[@miladyamalia6446]

Loved it! Thank you Ms.Jackson and V&A for making this film available to all!!!

[@Anonymous-rp7tt]

I managed to see it in real life and was so glad I had the chance to revisit here as well. Thank you so much - beautifully presented.

Thank you for posting this wonderful exhibition. I visited Japan last year, and bought a stunning kimono which I treasure very much!

[@vlisdero]

Thank you Anna and everyone who helped put this exhibition together. Thank you for sharing it especially now when it is impossible to travel to see it.

[@marionmccrindle8407]

BRILLIANT. I had a quick visit pre lockdown intending to return...now I have. I have learned so much from this set of videos; thank you!

[@vintagepeony]

Thank you so much for bringing us this fantastic collection and Anna is a wonderful and informative guide. Absolutely love it! Thank you 🙏

[@darrenmcmahon6271]

This series was fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us. And for Anna too, for being a great host.

[@JaffaCakeGecko]

Thank you so much for posting this wonderful tour!

[@dominicweber]

I was so lucky to see it. I was especially shocked to see the authentic costumes for Memoirs of a Geisha (!) I was actually star struck aha. They also had a priceless piece of the iconic 1992 John Galliano show, a Kimono Tuxedo with stockings, as well as one McQueen and two of the glorious Dior by Galliano Asian inspired pieces. And of course the priceless authentic kimono from Japan, especially a full Oiran attire, which was quite incredible to look at this close. Hopefully it’s around to stay!

[@RTAbram]

This is a wonderful collection. I would've loved to see it in person, but having a "personal" tour led by the curator added so much knowledge (and love) to it that I enjoyed this just as much.

[@vishuddhathakkar]

Enjoyed all the five parts of the virtual tour. So much vibrancy in the garments and beautiful colours. Amazing exhibit

[@karinlloyd9102]

Brilliant tour of a brilliant subject, many thanks for putting this out there.

[@skyhippy9964]

This series was wonderful, thank you.

[@sarahbaker7946]

The V&A is one of my favourite places to visit, I can lose myself for hours meandering through. I cannot wait to get back there. This was truly beautiful to watch. Thank you

[@abbycronin6672]

An exceptional exhibition--made more accessible by the clarity of Anna Jackson's presentation. I'll be watching it again and again. Thank you V&A!

[@geonrose]

Stunning collection, broad perspective, really a great set of videos!

[@artprintsstudio1042]

Thanks for sharing! Such a lovely exhibition tour. I love Japanese art and textiles

[@theon9575]

Very beautiful & informative set of 5 vids. Thank you, very very much.

[@cynthiajoeverett5798]

What a wonderful tour. The best thing about pandemics and their required sheltering in place is the museum tours now being offered. This one in particular is very good. Thanks so much to the V&A.

[@balmuis]

I stumbled upon this kimono exhibition somehow, discovering a lot on KZbin these days, so great to see this rich collection and hear about the history! I would not have been able to see it otherwise as I am in the Netherlands. Nice to hear us Dutch played a small role in bringing kimono to the world. Such wonderous and beautiful garments. Japanese are right to treasure this heritage.

[@vickyhodges5918]

Wonderful films. I can't wait to see the exhibition in person. I will enjoy it even more having had Anna Jackson as a guide. Thank you.

[@sallypinfold7479]

Beautiful and brilliantly explained. So many wonderful varieties of a kimono.

[@helendarcy7608]

What a wonderful mini series, thoroughly enjoyed it and the lady who narrates throughout is very easy to listen too and the filmography is stunning. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see inside the exhibition.

[@yuriamizuta9065]

Incredibly rich and eloquently explained exhibition. Very inspiring. Thank you so much for this unique experience!

[@mominzafar]

What an amazing journey this was! Thank you so much, everyone involved :)

[@ruthclark8468]

Excellent tour and an amazing exhibition. Thank you

[@karen-7057]

i didnt want this series to end! great job!!

[@andyjaggernauth6863]

I was so lucky to see the exhibition before the lockdown. Fantastic exhibition and these videos gives me so much more information.This is such a good idea for future exhibition as a preview...

[@Serenity87HU]

It was fascinating, thank you for the videos!

[@lucyrosales9797]

I've never seen such beautiful kimonos ❤️ thanks

[@arasharfa]

what a dream exhibition. And to crown it with the actual kimono from the Homogenic cover. I have that same photograph on my wall. It changed my life forever.

[@paperprincess1050]

Stunning series, thank you

[@AnaSantos-jq4yi]

Marvellous series!

[@kathypfeiffer8112]

Thank your for sharing! I wish I could slowly savor all these kimono, especially those in this last gallery space.

[@jennyhodges9019]

A very enjoyable and beautifully presented series of films. Thank you V & A

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

Always lovely to see john's designs =] thankyou for detailing as many important facts and discussing the ideas u could fit into this series =]

[@betty5064]

Thak you very much for this. I'm too far away to see the exhibition but it's inspired me to start to study Japanese culture and history

[@chrishoo2]

Bravo for this beautifully crafted set of videos & all these gorgeous garments!

[@artfulseoul]

Thank you very much for this online guided tour. Much appreciated. I was devastated I could not visit the exhibition due to circumstances. I’m also pleased to see the kimono artwork by the versatile Japanese artist (composer, designer, classic piano player and drummer of Japanese group X Japan) and world citizen Yoshiki whom carries his legacy of kimono maker in his family by his own brand Yoshikimono in this part of your guided tour. Stay safe everyone.

[@alirudman6622]

Excellent. Loved the links and beautiful garments

[@emilybragg987]

Wonderful! Thank you for making these films. I was planning to visit the exhibit and I'm so glad that I was able to see it so beautifully captured on film, with a guided tour by the curator to boot! xo

[@johnlacroix3522]

Thank u V&A for this...love it

[@vandasramek5645]

Outstanding exhibition. Having spent a year in Japan in the 1970’s I was particularly interested in this exhibition. Thank you.

[@gloriamcdermott9214]

Brilliant and colourful must see it when V&A open again

[@felicitypageavidreader]

It looks a wonderful exhibition my eyes were out on stalks. Thanks V and A for the snap shot.

[@ericowensnyc]

This series was sooooo good!!!!!

[@jamilgotcher5456]

Really enjoyed this tour of this Kimono exhibition. I modeled in Tokyo (Kansai Yammamoto, Yohji Yammamoto and Hanae Mori and many more high fashion designers) in the early 90's and fell in love with all things Japanese. I've spent a month at a time in Tokyo 3 times. So grateful for my experiences from my modeling days. My last trip to Tokyo was in 2006 with my daughter.

[@marylloyd2342]

Thank you so much for this. Wonderful!

[@getully]

Outstanding set of videos!

[@Judyblue1000]

Fascinating! Some of these garments were on display at the Art Museum in Cincinnati last year. I loved getting more information on those pieces as well as many more. Thank you!

[@akanenohonou]

Thanks for the tour, it was really interesting and inspiring :)

[@pieterwolt1245]

fabulous series

[@cascadiastudio5182]

Thank you for making this!

[@tomcunningham6766]

This was a wonderful tour. It would have been lovely to go and see it but this was the next best thing. Hopefully there will still be a chance later down the line. Well done!

[@lucytatner1118]

Lovely, I'd booked to go see this in June, so nice not to have missed out completely

[@renqiangyuan1705]

This is such an amazing exhibition. I wish I could see all the pieces in real life.

[@jessierosecircus]

fantastic series. I really hope the exhibition stays open and that we get a chance to see these in the flesh!

[@susanmojgani9844]

I love this series! Thank you very much for making it possible to see this beautiful exhibition even if we can’t make it to London. Thank you from Canada.

[@carolinecapperauld8787]

I’m not sure I would have learnt even half as much if I had visited the exhibition in person. Really enjoyed it thank you

[@finawatsonart]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing the exhibition by video

[@grizzlynad]

thank you thank you - although I'd loved to see this for real, the knowledge imparted in the 5 videos was fabulous - bravo!

[@pekaboo93]

I tried to get in on opening day but timings of my journey home didn't work out with the remaining slots. I had planned to visit next weekend but alas no one is travelling. Thank you for showing and talking us through the exhibition, it's beautifully curated.

[@ChihiroOh]

Very nice series

[@janicekrieger1922]

Wow, this was fantastic!

[@yijencheng2709]

I ordered the book from V&A in early March before I figured flying aboard might be a lost cause. Felt very sad when my trip to London in April got cancelled. Thank you so much V&A for giving me an opportunity to go through the exhibition with a docent.

[@debrapenman702]

Thank you for making this available to us. Such a shame we could not visit. Superb exhibition.

[@KJ_bluebird]

Thank you for this wonderful tour! I thought of visiting Britaint just to come and see this but well... sadly no clue when this would happen. So thank you for this insightful and well done video tour!

[@snimsay]

Loved it! Thank you... it confirms my idea that anyone can wear anything that is beautiful. I wear kimonos, not being japanese and living in Europe.

[@robinrwanda]

I was really anxious for the future of kimono around 2000 because the wearing of it seemed frozen in time and so highly regulated that people were afraid to wear them. Thank goodness for the young people who started routing the temple markets and talking to their grandmothers and selling used kimonos in shops. One grandmother said, "We wore lace-up (shoe)boots with kimono and cardigan sweaters in 1925, so why can't they were a string of pearls or comfortable shoes now?" Keep the tradition, but expand to take in new ideas. Similarly, I had a friend who decided to wear kimono almost every day -- to 7-11, to a baseball game, to lunch. She showed her friends that women could, of course, put on their own kimono and obviously did so for many years until it was regulated by "specialists". The sari is still changing and vibrant in India. I'm glad to see that kimono is getting reintegrated in new ways!

[@bethc.4805]

Inspired to wear kimono and obi I bought at an anime convention in traditional style, as well as haori-style jackets I got secondhand, to do modern mixing!

[@reutrappoport2994]

I read Memoirs of a Geisha many years ago, and was blown away by the descriptions. Hair styles and the layers and symbolism were explained. I would have like a bit more of that. However, I loved the virtual tour. Disappointed not to have been able to see it live before lock down.

[@333deerwolf]

Anna Jackson, thank you so much for an incredibly first class series of videos on this stunningly put together exhibition. I loved the visuals, the history, the interconnectedness of influences from India to Holland to Japan and from Japan to the West. Fascinating. My only complaint is that it seems no-one has bothered to check the closed caption subtitles which are really atrocious. Sorry but I used to subtitle for Channel 4 before branching out into Japanese style acupuncture! But anyway, thank you V & A.

[@rosemarygilbert4870]

Fantastic exhibition. I am so sorry that I have not been able to see it in real time.

[@piedwagtailrameau]

Amazing presentation- thank you! Would see once we are free again...

[@fionafiona1146]

Staying alive feels very essential to my freedom.

[@LorrieWhittington]

God, I hope this expo is still on when the Covid shit show finally burns out, as I really REALLY want to see it. Many thanks V&A and Anna Jackson.

[@franciscouderq1100]

Well done exhibition

[@michellegordon456]

Fabulous, thanks you so much for posting this brilliant and interesting tour of the exhibition

[@MNkno]

From Yohji Yamamoto to what appears to be Harajuku Tokyo district fashion, this segment is wonderful, too. The only thing not mentioned (unless I missed it) is the influence of the kimono-inspired garb in manga and anime, which then move over into popular fashion, much as the theater inspired in the past. Kabuki kimono, of course, continue to evolve in grand style...

[@janicecroft2304]

Fabulous insight to the kimono, cant wait to see the exhibition when you reopen. Thank you.

[@OdolenaKostovaDigitalMarketing]

And what is the curator wearing? I love the colourful robe she has!

[@PallasAthene12]

The style of garment is called a haori - kind of a jacket that is usually worn over kimono by both men and women. Her particular piece looks quite modern though, judging by the print.

[@petercaden541]

Great series; thanks. Did your exhibit include accessories, e.g. knives or small bags for items such as money?

[@MissMistressNerd]

Seeing a Lolita maid outfit and anime play in a museum is surreal

[@rosasortiznestorivan8303]

6:20 OMG!! Madonna’s red kimono from Nothing Really Matters

[@scotchsato]

I’d like to see that, made a plan to travel to UK, but covid19 interrupts me. Thank you, I’m happy to see your guidance. And I’ll visit V&A in my kimono next time.

[@salmanalqahtani6943]

I love her

[@ginasousabranco5637]

Madonna's Nothing Really Matters kimono is absolutely amazing. But so it were her Paradise (Not for Me) video and Drowned World Tour's Frozen kimonos