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
Gift of the artist, 2025
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
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.