The NGV’s latest exhibition Kimono is more than just a showcase of exquisite textiles – it’s an immersive cultural experience. On display at NGV International until 5 October, Kimono delves into the timeless elegance and global influence of Japan’s most iconic garment. But the exhibition doesn’t stop at the gallery walls.
A curated series of public programs invites visitors to explore the kimono from every angle—tradition, innovation, and personal connection.
On Sunday 3 August, Tokyo-based artist and designer Hiroko Takahashi will appear in conversation with NGV’s Wayne Crothers (11:30am–12:30pm), sharing how she reimagines kimono with bold, modern flair. A few lucky guests will then take part in Zipper Kimono, a participatory art project where they’ll don a zip-on kimono for a portrait that becomes part of Hiroko’s living archive.
That afternoon (2–4pm), join radical designers Rumi Shibasaki (Rumi Rock) and Tamao Shigemune for a discussion and live demonstration, led by stylist Sala Okabe. Together, they’ll reveal how punk, pop, and tradition collide in their designs.
For a deeper dive into Japanese culture, Art & The World: Japan, a four-week night course running from 25 August to 15 September, offers after-hours gallery access and expert insight into centuries of Japanese art, ritual, and reinvention.
Prefer a calmer experience? The NGV’s Relaxed Sessions (13 and 17 September) provide a sensory-considered environment ideal for visitors with neurodivergence, disability, or those who simply prefer a quieter moment of reflection.
With so many ways to engage, Kimono at the NGV invites every visitor to connect with this enduring art form on their own terms.
More details and tickets: ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/kimono
