Shock Wave

Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s–90s

Comme des Garçons, Jacket with Skirt, “Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body” collection, Spring/Summer 1997. Nylon/polyurethane stretch gingham with padding. Denver Art Museum, Neusteter Textile Collection.

Issey Miyake, Jacket with Transformable Bustle and Asymmetric Skirt, Autumn/Winter 1986 collection. Japanese ikat-printed cotton. Denver Art Museum, Neusteter Textile Collection.

Kansai Yamamoto, Jacket, about 1980. Cotton jersey printed with a graphic including the brand name Kansai. Denver Art Museum, Neusteter Textile Collection.

Comme des Garçons, Jacket and Skirt, Autumn–Winter 1994–1995 collection. Felted wool. Denver Art Museum: Neusteter Textile Collection.

Issey Miyake taking his bow at the end of his spring 1980 fashion show. His models surround him, several wearing the iconic bust he created for his winter 1980–81 collection. Photograph by Jean-Luce Huré. ©Jean-Luce Huré

Kansai Yamamoto in the company of the famous
Asian model, Sayoko, at a party. Her dramatic flair is
typical of Kansai's flamboyant style. Photograph by
Jean-Luce Huré. ©Jean-Luce Huré

Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons,
backstage at her spring 1986 fashion show wearing her
own iconic style: a loose-fitting black ensemble and flat
shoes. Photograph by Jean-Luce Huré. ©Jean-Luce
Huré

Kenzo Takada enjoying a moment backstage with his
models at the end of a fashion show in 1986. This
collection was inspired by the western cowgirl style.
Photograph by Jean-Luce Huré. ©Jean-Luce Huré

Kansai Coat, Spring–Summer 1991 collection. Photo by Guy Marineau. Photo © Guy Marineau

Junya Watanabe Ensembles, Spring–Summer 2000 collection. Photo by Guy Marineau. Photo © Guy Marineau

Comme des Garçons Ensemble, Spring–Summer 1997 collection, “Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body.” Photo by Guy Marineau. Photo © Guy Marineau

Yohji Yamamoto Suit, Autumn–Winter 1993–1994 collection. Guy Marineau photo. Photo © Guy Marineau

Plan Your Visit

Admission to Shock Wave is included in general admission; free for members; and free for kids age 18 and younger.

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Group Tickets & Event Rentals

Specially priced tickets for groups of 10 or more are available with advance reservations. Private gallery rentals and special event bookings are also available. Please contact group sales at 720-913-0088 or email groupsales@denverartmuseum.org for group tickets and booking details.

Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s–90s, is organized by the Denver Art Museum. It is generously funded by Joy and Chris Dinsdale, Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld, Marcia Robinson, and Alessandra Schulein. Special thanks to the Avenir Foundation for their support of the Textile Art Department. Additional funding provided by the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine, CBS4, Comcast Spotlight, and The Denver Post.