Cup Cover - Denver Art Museum exhibit “Shock Wave” Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s–90s

Thinsulate insulated Reading Books Kup Kap on quotes mug. 

When I saw this writers’ mug in the gift shop, I immediately thought of the reading books cup cover. Both the mug for his coffee and the insulated cup lid were a perfect set for my husband who taught literature, writes for publication, and reads many books.

I love ending our Denver Art Museum visits in their unique gift shop. There are beautiful works by a variety of local and international artists, fun things pertaining to the current exhibits, and beautiful stylish clothing to buy.

The exhibit “Shock Wave” Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s–90s” shows fashion outfits on mannequins by six powerhouse Japanese designers who began a fashion revolution in Paris, France. Challenging the Paris designers, they reinvented the traditional Western concept of femininity.

Before viewing the exhibit, we attended a lecture and slide show in the museum by Florence Muller, who has a long resume in fashion design and curating museum exhibits. She offered insights into the current exhibit along with her very interesting personal stories working with famous designing companies and museums.

This beautiful teacup flower arrangement was at the entrance to the exhibit.  I thought how appropriate because the Japanese are very proud of their tea ceremonies and teahouses.

Japanese designers start with the fabrics; Western designers start with the shape of the body. Rei Kawakubo created the “bump dress”. It can be worn with the padding or look like a normal dress by removing the padding. Some people called it the Quasimodo dress!

This is a 4 ½ minute video of two women dressing one model in a dress designed by Yohji Yamamoto. He produced the video for dressers at his fashion shows to use in preparing the models for the runway. The dressers used several complex steps to arrange the many yards of fabric. It was like the ceremonial process of dressing a woman in a kimono.

These outfits are only a few of the 70 for you to enjoy their uniqueness of design, colors, and use of textures. Scattered among the clothing are unusual chairs. If you love clothes, see this exhibit!

If you need food or drinks before leaving the Denver Art Museum, go to the back of the gift shop to the Celeste and Dick Callahan Café where they serve Starbucks coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches!