TRAVELER’S DIARY: Kimono, Part II

Visiting the exhibition “Kimono” at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques-Chirac, it is like crossing a river that takes you to the Far East, a journey through time and history, with a symbol-garment that became known in European shores at the end of the 17th century, when Japan opened its doors to foreign trade.       Kimono fascinated the West not only for its exotic character, but also for its unique materials, such as the silk fabrics and embroideries, its elaborate and unique belts and colors that excite the imagination of every man (!) There are different types of kimono for men, women, and children, varying based on the occasion, the season, the wearer’s age, and – less commonly in the modern day – the wearer’s marital status. The exhibition designed by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London reexamines the history of an iconic garment, from every angle, like a portrait of a modern garment, across centuries and continents, since the viewer, completing his route in the exhibition, encounters kimonos created by some of the biggest designers, such as John Galliano or Alexander Mc Queen. (Part I).-Efi Michalarou

Photo: Exhibition view “Kimono”, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 2022-2023, Photo: © & Courtesy Dimitris Lempesis

Info: Curators: Anna Jackson and Josephine Rout, Scientific advisor: Julien Rousseau, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 37 Quai Branly, Paris, France, Duration: 22/11/2022-28/5/2023, Days & Hours: Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun 10:30-19:00, Thu 10:30-22:00, https://www.quaibranly.fr/