Kimono designs and Japanese style have inspired global art, design and fashion since Japan re-opened to the world in the mid-19th century. This exhibition displays historically significant and visually dynamic examples of costume and fashion from Japanese history, and establishes a creative lineage to the most experimental and innovative fashion designers of today.

Works will include Noh and Kyogen costume, popular intricately decorated kimono of the samurai and merchant classes of the Edo period, examples of Japanese early interaction with western fashions during the late 19th century, Japanese modernist fashion of the early 20th century, and key works by fashion innovators Issey Miyake and John Galliano, Japanese contemporary creative Hiroko Takahashi and Harajuku street fashions.

The exhibition also features paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts that contextualise themes the kimono story.