Caption Story: Precious Cargo

Caption Story: Precious Cargo

July 9, 2003

Kyoto Costume Institute Curator Tamami Suoh gently unpacks the last of her precious cargo in readiness for the Japonism in Fashion exhibition opening at Te Papa tomorrow (Thursday, July 10).

The beautiful and opulent exhibition features more than 80 gowns, shoes and accessories by some of the

world's greatest designers showcasing the influence of Japan and Japanese designers on international fashion.

The first of its kind to be held in New Zealand, the exhibition has been created by Te Papa in collaboration with

the famous institute which houses one of the world's finest collections of historic European and contemporary Japanese fashion.

Tamami accompanied the shipment of specially packed garments and gowns by designers such as Gucci,

Issey Miyake, John-Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe and Dior on an Air New Zealand flight from Osaka to

Auckland and is pictured unpacking an obi (Japanese belt). The garments were subsequently trucked to

Wellington.

Japonism in Fashion comprises three segments which focus on different time periods. The first - Kimono Craze - looks at 1860 to 1900, the second - Turning Japanese - on the first 30 years of the 20th century and the third - Go West -the period from the 1960s to present day. The exhibition which is sponsored by Air New Zealand runs until October 5, 2003.

ENDS

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