The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is set to celebrate the timeless elegance and enduring legacy of the Japanese kimono with a brand-new, meticulously curated exhibition opening on 4 June 2025.
Simply titled Kimono, this landmark exhibition examines the iconic garment’s craftsmanship, cultural significance, and global influence, presenting it as both an ancient art form and a living symbol of modern style.
Running until 5 October 2025 at NGV International on St Kilda Road, the exhibition boasts over 70 resplendent kimono, including more than 30 never-before-seen acquisitions, alongside a vast collection of 150 related works such as paintings, woodblock prints, posters, and decorative arts. A rich and thematic display, Kimono journeys through history while shining a spotlight on contemporary reinventions, making it a must-see for fashion enthusiasts, art aficionados, and anyone captivated by Japanese culture.
A celebration of craftsmanship and heritage
The exhibition explores various facets of traditional kimono-making, showcasing garments crafted from the world’s finest silk and adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery. Highlights from the Edo period include a sumptuous red wedding kimono featuring bamboo, pine, and crane motifs created using shibori, a specialised Japanese tie-dye technique. Seven newly acquired Edo-period garments also make their debut, presenting exquisite depictions of maple leaves, wisteria tendrils, and other auspicious symbols traditionally associated with Japanese nobility and the merchant class.
The exhibition also examines the influence of noh and kyogen theatre through the inclusion of elaborate 16th- and 17th-century kimono costumes. Integrating brocade textiles with dazzling silver and gold thread, these garments are accompanied by performance masks and lacquerware, offering a captivating glimpse into these classical Japanese art forms.
Past meets present with contemporary design
Bridging the past and present, Kimono explores the modern adaptations of this traditional garment through the work of celebrated contemporary designers. Visitors can look forward to the Australian debut of **Jotaro Saito’s latest collection, Dark Romantic, a strikingly modern interpretation of the kimono adorned with hand-stencilled and painted yuzen techniques. Descended from a revered Kyoto textile artisan family, Saito’s creations exemplify how the kimono continues to adapt to contemporary life and style.
The influence of Japanese design on international fashion is another standout theme of the exhibition, with works by Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Comme des Garçons bridging traditional Japanese motifs and Western garment construction. Miyake’s colourful haori coats, inspired by the bold graphics of Ikko Tanaka, demonstrate a modern approach to traditional Japanese forms. Meanwhile, European couturiers like Paul Poiret, Callot Soeurs, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen highlight the kimono’s enduring allure in the West during the Japonisme movement and beyond.
Exploring the kimono revolution
The exhibition also celebrates the ongoing revival of the kimono within Japanese society, presenting cutting-edge designs by brands and creatives like Robe Japonica, Modern Antenna, and Rumi Rock. These pieces range from kawaii-inspired Harajuku streetwear to playful gothic styles and neo-dandyism, showcasing the kimono’s versatility and relevance in today’s eclectic fashion landscape. Furthermore, works by national treasures like Serizawa Keisuke demonstrate how traditional dyeing techniques like indigo resist-dyeing continue to captivate audiences globally, from New York to Paris.
A deeper narrative
Maintaining a loose chronological structure, the exhibition guides visitors through key historical themes such as seasonal motifs, children’s kimono, and the macabre. The incredible diversity of materials used in Japanese textile production, including silk, hemp, banana fibre, and even deer leather, is discussed alongside the unique skills employed by artisans, from shibori techniques to resist dyeing with rice paste. These elements illuminate the kimono’s role not only as a garment but also as an art form that intertwines nature, culture, and human creativity.
Melbourne’s winter cultural highlight
Part of NGV’s celebrated winter programme, Kimono follows the record-breaking success of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Boasting wide appeal for both local and international visitors, this showcase of Japanese artistry is poised to be another cultural and economic boost for Melbourne.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks affirmed the exhibition’s significance, stating it will draw visitors from near and far, while NGV Director Tony Ellwood lauded the kimono as a globally recognised symbol of Japan’s sophistication and style. With its rich variety of exhibits and broad appeal, Kimono offers a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of one of Japan’s most enduring cultural icons.
Exhibition details
- Dates: 4 June – 5 October 2025
- Location: NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
- Tickets and information: Available at NGV.MELBOURNE
Immerse yourself in an elegant world of tradition and innovation at Kimono, an exhibition that pays homage to the past while celebrating the continued evolution of Japanese design.