Kimono: the splendid exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly offers exceptional evening events

It symbolizes Japan by itself. At the bend in an alley in Tokyo, Kyoto or Matsumoto, it is not uncommon to come across men, but also and especially women dressed in their traditional and magnificent kimono. This emblematic garment and characteristic of the identity of Japan is honored during a new exhibition to be seen at the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac in Paris, from Tuesday, November 22, 2022 to Sunday, May 28, 2023.

The last days of the exhibition have arrived... Before it closes, come and (re)discover it during the exceptional evening visits organized by the museum. During four evenings,from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 May, the museum opens its doors until 11 pm to let us enjoy its collections and temporary exhibitions .

Despite the passing years, the kimono (literally " what is worn ") remains a garment that fascinates and challenges. It is at the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1868) that the kimono is displayed in the Japanese streets by becoming the traditional dress par excellence in the country of the Rising Sun. At that time, Japanese people wore this outfit whatever their social status or gender, and kabuki actors became the first Japanese fashion icons.

It was not until the opening of Japan to foreign trade, especially in the 1850s, that the kimono was exported to the West. From then on, the kimono inspired a number of great designers such as John Galliano or Alexander McQueen, fascinated by the shape and fabrics of this garment. In Japan, the kimono has also been revisited in an innovative way by several celebrities from the international pop scene.

This incredible and beautiful exhibition features nearly 200 kimonos, kimono-inspired garments and related objects, as well as sublime prints that show the kimono in action.

Several of the pieces presented at the Musée du Quai Branly are being exhibited for the very first time in France. One example is the kimono created by Kunihiko Moriguchi, a " living national treasure " in Japan. The exhibition also unveils famous outfits associated with popular culture such as the original costumes of the Star Wars films by Trisha Biggar, or a kimono that belonged to Freddie Mercury, not to mention creations by Paul Poiret, Yohji Yamamoto and John Galliano. The"Kimono" exhibition looks at the history of the kimono as a traditional and timeless costume, but also as a fashion phenomenon that has influenced clothing styles since the 17th century.

Through a beautiful scenography and a well conducted tour, from the trade and creation of the kimono to its revival in recent years, thanks to talented designers and artists like Hiroko Takahashi, the exhibition"Kimono" shows us the aesthetic, social and sartorial importance of this emblematic outfit.

For the more curious, it is even possible to touch - in a corner of the exhibition - some squares of fabric to better understand the difference between kimonos.

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Whether it is worn in a traditional way or in a more subversive and modern way, the kimono remains an outfit that makes many dream. Come and discover its history through centuries and continents during this incredible exhibition not to be missed at the Musée du Quai Branly from November 22, 2022 to May 28, 2023.