Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Exhibition

My first stop when I arrived in New York was the Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Exhibition at The Met. The Costume Institute's spring 2017 exhibition examines the work of fashion designer Rei Kawakubo, known for her avant-garde designs and ability to challenge conventional notions of beauty, good taste, and fashionability.

The exhibition illustrates the designer's revolutionary experiments in "in-betweenness". The garments  are organized into nine aesthetic expressions of Kawakubo's work: Absence/Presence, Design/Not Design, Fashion/Anti-Fashion, Model/Multiple, Then/Now, High/Low, Self/Other, Object/Subject, and Clothes/Not Clothes.

My clothes and the space they inhabit are inseparable - Rei Kawakubo

The instillation, designed by Kawakubo in conjunction with the museum, feels as abstract as the designers work. The exhibition is housed in a minimalist white maze-like space, formed of cylindrical chambers, podiums and elevated galleries. The garments are hidden between cracks or set back away from the viewer, which I found really engaging as I explored the space. It is truly unlike any of the past exhibitions the costume institute has done.

I think the colours and textures used in this garment are truly incredible! The inspiration behind this collection was witches, which Kawakubo thinks are strong women with special powers. I think the garments embody this motif with a magical and visually striking result.

                                                

                       

       

       

This was my favourite collection in the whole exhibition. Kawakubo explores the dynamic between traditional and transgression through order/chaos in this 18th century punk collection. I think the colours, patterns and textiles are so diverse, yet work seamlessly side by side. 

This dress of blue and pink polyester felt is really eye catching, I love its unusual shape!

This dress is one of my favourite garments in the whole exhibition. The notion of kawaii (cuteness) is captured in this pink floral dress featuring an oversized stuffed bear camouflaged within its frills and folds.

I really enjoy the designers use of red in her work. The rich tones reflect the intricate and bold tailoring of the garments.

This dress from Kawakubo's Autumn/Winter 2017-8 collection is made with brown paper! 

These garments are from Kawakubo's Autumn/Winter 2008-9 collection. They are made of white nylon tulle and synthetic plain weave with black elastic trim, incorporating punk and fetish styles. I think the designers use of textiles that are thought to be cheap, nylon and polyester, is very refreshing!

 This was truly the best exhibition I have ever attended. It is an inspirational show that illustrates Kawakubo's fresh ideas about form, process and meaning. It is exactly the sort of transporting experience that a fashion exhibition should be while bringing to the forefront the work of a incredible designer.

Thank you,

Hannah