Look 16, dress
2021
No Theme collection, spring-summer 2022
Medium
nylon (tulle), polyester (satin), cotton
Measurements
(a) 130.0 cm (centre back) 100.0 cm (width) (dress)
(b) 83.0 cm (centre back) 36.0 cm (waist, flat) (underskirt)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of the artist, 2025
Hasselblad H6D
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Kawakubo strives to design without historical and geographical references, guided instead by deep emotion and feeling. Many of her collections begin with a conceptual idea that is also a technical challenge. In this collection, she sought to strip her designs of what she felt unnecessary: intricate fabrics, complicated colours, patterns that define the body and even the very intention to make clothes. Rather than relying on embroidery, sequins or time-consuming beadwork, Kawakubo lets the fabric itself serve as embellishment, using long lengths of tulle knotted into bundles to create form, texture and movement.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Inscription
(a) label, centre back neckline, printed in ink on white synthetic fabric: COMME des GARÇONS
(b) label, centre back waistline, printed in ink on cream synthetic fabric: COMME des GARÇONS
Accession Number
2025.788.a-b
Department
International Fashion and Textiles