What's Up This Week

KIMONO WONDERLAND

The Victoria And Albert Museum of London always puts up great fashion exhibitions. It recently opened Kimono: Kyoto To Catwalk, a show that looks at the history of the straight-seamed wrap of fabric worn by Japanese women since the 1660s. There are almost 300 spectacular examples here, ranging from ornate traditional designs, to more modern and contemporary takes. There's one created by Alexander McQueen for Bjork for the album cover of Hegemonic, another designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier for Madonna for her music video Nothing Really Matters, and yet another that came from Freddy Mercury's fabulous wardrobe. But purists may find more pleasure in the classic pieces, some of which embody the finest in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. ~ Helmi Yusof

Kimono: Kyoto To Catwalk runs from now till 21 June, 2020, at the Victoria And Albert Museum.