Evening gown

The bodice is composed of two panels of pleated fabric gathered together on the right side; the upper panel connects to a slender shoulder strap which holds up the dress. Yohji Yamamoto, one of Japan's most internationally influential designers, wanted to create a space of movement around the body; to achieve this, he used fabric cut on a slant, horizontal or pleated fabric inserts, flowing shapes and fluid lines. In the 1980s the rules of western fashion shifted and deconstructivism was introduced, an overhaul of the concept of shape and the start of extreme research into new fabrics.

Donated by the Pitti Discovery Foundation