Get ready to witness a groundbreaking fashion event at NGV International this season. Opening 7 December 2025, the NGV presents “Westwood | Kawakubo,” a feature exhibition pairing two titans of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, for the first time.
Celebrating the radical, rule-breaking brilliance of these designers from different cultures and eras, this summer blockbuster not only explores their creative legacies but also redefines how we view fashion, identity, and self-expression. With more than 140 striking designs on display, along with photography, films, archival treasures, and runway footage, this exhibition delivers a bold new perspective on fashion as art.
A Radical Pairing of Fashion Visionaries
What makes “Westwood | Kawakubo” so revolutionary? For starters, these designers, though born a year apart, took entirely unique paths to shape contemporary style. Vivienne Westwood, famed for her role in the punk explosion of 1970s London, challenged traditional notions of beauty and fashion’s purpose. Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons, reinvented silhouettes and added a deeply avant-garde edge to her design ethos.
Both designers share a daring propensity for subversive creativity, using fashion to question conventions of taste, gender norms, and even the function of clothing itself. By placing these two icons alongside one another, the exhibition invites viewers to compare and contrast their influences, philosophies, and innovations.
Thematic Sections to Immerse Visitors
The exhibition is presented through five carefully curated themes, each offering a deep-dive into the creative dialogue between Westwood’s and Kawakubo’s work.
Punk and Provocation
This section captures the energy of punk, a movement that fuelled both designers’ early collections. Westwood’s iconic punk looks, including bondage trousers and distressed knits, take centre stage alongside Kawakubo pieces that echo this rebellious, anti-establishment spirit.
Rupture
Here, viewers can explore how both designers break conventions to reimagine clothing. Highlights include Westwood’s “Pirate” collection and avant-garde designs from Kawakubo’s “Not Making Clothes” series.
Reinvention
This section celebrates the designers’ ability to look to the past and future for inspiration. Westwood’s art-history-inspired “Portrait” collection is juxtaposed with Kawakubo’s bold use of clashing patterns and unconventional materials.
The Body: Freedom and Restraint
How does fashion interact with the human body? This thought-provoking theme showcases works like Kawakubo’s abstract “Future of Silhouette” collection and Westwood’s sensual pieces from her famed “Erotic Zones” collection.
The Power of Clothes
Fashion as a political and personal statement takes the spotlight in this final section. The environmental and social messaging of Westwood’s recent work is paired with Kawakubo’s emotional reflections on the state of the world in collections like “Uncertain Future.”
Showstopping Designs You Can’t Miss
Among the dazzling 140 pieces on display, several iconic designs will captivate fashion lovers. Expect to see Westwood’s punk ensembles, tartan gowns, and corseted wedding dresses, like the one worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. Meanwhile, visitors can marvel at Kawakubo’s avant-garde sculptural outfits, including Rihanna’s striking petal ensemble from the Met Gala, and statement looks worn by stars like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.
One gallery will highlight historical influences, with Westwood’s silk taffeta ball gowns paired against Kawakubo’s punk-inspired creations in pink vinyl. Elsewhere, a bold display contrasts Kawakubo’s innovative cuts with Westwood’s impeccable tailoring in tartans, tweeds, and pinstripes.
A Truly Immersive Experience
“Westwood | Kawakubo” isn’t just about the clothes; it’s also about diving into the minds and creative processes of these fashion legends. The exhibition offers an incredible selection of archival materials, film, photography, and runway footage, adding rich context to their awe-inspiring designs.
The symmetry-inspired layout ensures a captivating experience, presenting Westwood and Kawakubo as two distinct yet parallel forces in the fashion world. Walking through the exhibition feels like a conversation between these two visionaries, revealing both their differences and shared spirit of rebellion.
A First for Kids
For younger visitors, NGV’s Let’s Party: Fashion for Kids opens on 28 November 2025. This free exhibition invites kids to explore vibrant, playful designs from the NGV’s fashion collection and even create their own showstopping outfits in hands-on activities.
A Cultural Milestone
“Westwood | Kawakubo” is part of NGV’s renowned summer programming, which has drawn record-breaking crowds in recent years. This year promises to be no exception, offering fashion lovers and art enthusiasts a chance to celebrate two of the most transformative designers in modern history.
Tony Ellwood AM, NGV’s Director, highlights the exhibition’s deeper purpose, saying, “This show invites audiences to reflect on the enduring legacies of these groundbreaking designers and discuss the ways in which fashion can be a vehicle for self-expression and freedom.”
Whether you’re a devoted fashion follower or a curious newcomer, this exhibition promises a feast for the eyes and mind. An accompanying publication, featuring insights from global experts, will allow audiences to take this unique exploration of Westwood and Kawakubo home.
Ticket Information
“Westwood | Kawakubo” will be on view from 7 December 2025 to 19 April 2026 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Entry fees apply. For tickets and more information, visit NGV.MELBOURNE.
Don’t miss your chance to step into the world of two fashion legends. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and dazzled by Westwood | Kawakubo at NGV this summer.