Exhibition 'Westwood | Kawakubo' to Showcase Fashion Icons in Melbourne

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne is set to host a groundbreaking exhibition titled 'Westwood | Kawakubo', featuring the iconic works of British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo. The exhibition will run from December 7, 2025, to April 19, 2026, marking the first time that the designs of these two influential figures will be displayed side by side, despite their parallel careers and shared penchant for provocation.

According to Katie Somerville, Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the NGV, both designers were born within a year of each other, on opposite sides of the globe, and both are self-taught. Their innovative approaches to fashion reached a pivotal moment in 1981, with Westwood showcasing her collection in London and Kawakubo presenting her work in Paris. "Their work has never been about going quietly — or presenting what’s expected," Somerville stated in a recent interview, emphasizing the designers' shared philosophy of challenging conventions.

The exhibition will feature over 140 designs, primarily sourced from the NGV's own collection, with additional pieces loaned from prestigious institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Palais Galliera in Paris, and the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Notably, the NGV has received a significant donation of more than 40 recent works from Comme des Garçons, Kawakubo's label, which will also be included in the show.

The exhibition is organized thematically, exploring topics such as provocation, menswear and tailoring, historical costume, and the representation of the female body in fashion. It aims to highlight how both designers have made impactful statements regarding politics and the environment through their work. Noteworthy pieces include Westwood's punk ensembles from the late 1970s, a romantic tartan gown from her Anglomania collection worn by supermodel Kate Moss, and the original wedding dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in 'Sex and the City: The Movie.'

Kawakubo's contributions will feature sculptural designs, including a petal ensemble famously donned by Rihanna on the red carpet, along with pieces from her acclaimed Body Meets Dress — Dress Meets Body collection.

The NGV has a rich history of showcasing fashion but this exhibition stands out as it is the first to pair two female designers in a fashion context. "At the NGV, we’ve carved out an innovative model of presenting shows where we pair artists," Somerville noted. This exhibition is anticipated to be a significant summer highlight for the gallery, which plans to host a gala event on December 6, 2025, to celebrate its opening.

This exhibition not only highlights the artistic contributions of Westwood and Kawakubo but also reflects the evolution of fashion as a medium for cultural commentary, offering insights into how both designers have shaped the landscape of contemporary fashion through their radical designs and ideologies.