Or so it seems... At least I'd go see that over that Kempner exhibit...
CINCINNATI.-Runway
fashion intersects with art this summer at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Visitors will explore the fashions of 20th century avant-garde Japanese
designers through the exhibition, Where Would You Wear That? The Mary
Baskett Collection opening June 2. This intimate exhibition features
the personal collection of Cincinnati resident Mary Baskett and
includes fashions by designers Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Rei
Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. The exhibition remains on view through
August 12.
"These designers revolutionized fashion in the early 1980s," said
Cynthia Amnéus, curator of costume and textiles. "They are still the
three most influential designers of our time."
Featured in the exhibition is the work of internationally renowned
designer Issey Miyake, known for his innovative pleated garments
introduced in the late 1980s. Visitors will get an up close look at a
wide range of Miyake's designs which challenge the conventional idea of
garment making and explore the relationship between the body and the
fabric.
Like Miyake, designer Yohji Yamamoto is known for creating designs
far removed from current trends. Visitors will discover Yamamoto's
spare, monochromatic garments as outstanding examples of cut and
craftsmanship. Yamamoto's designs are recognized today as timeless
classics with a twist.
Also featured in the exhibition are fashions by Rei Kawakubo,
founder of the Comme des Garçons label, French for like the boys.?
Known for her deconstructed garments, sometimes lacking a sleeve or
other component, Kawakubo's designs are often made of distressed
fabrics.
"Kawakubo was not formally trained as a fashion designer, but she
has definitely made her mark as an artist," said Amnéus. "Her clothing
has an underlying architectural approach and does not aim to accentuate
the body's form like Western fashion."
As a former curator at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Mary Baskett
began collecting in the 1970s during business trips to Japan. Baskett's
personal wardrobe includes over 100 examples by Japanese designers.
"When I step out of the dressing room and my husband laughs ?
that's when I know it's something I must add to my closet," said Mary
Baskett.
The collection is on loan from Mary Baskett. The supporting sponsor
is Bartlett & Co. This exhibition is organized by the Cincinnati
Art Museum.
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