Yohji Yamamoto has been one of the most influential and perplexing fashion designers of the last forty years. Challenging traditional norms of clothing with his avant-garde style, Yamamoto has mate a vital contribution to fashion. It seems only natural then, for him to present his work at none other than The Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing over 80 women’s and menswear garments, which are most characteristic of his work.

Browsing through the minimalist, brightly lit room, you are led through a multi-media timeline of Yamamoto’s life in fashion, including inspiration, show footage through the years, and an insight into the painstaking process that goes into each piece. Branching out from traditional notions of fashion, Yamamoto played with ideas of gender, and with fabrics that were not normally used in design, such as neoprene or felt. A key feature of his work, that is obvious throughout the exhibition, is consistent use of black, which he describes as ‘modest and arrogant at the same time’.

As his first major solo show in the UK, the Yohji Yamamoto exhibition is well worth a visit.

To find out more about the exhibition visit the V&A website.