Yamamoto & The Cult of Beauty

A gaudy peacock shower cap, one bar of V&A Lavender soap, and a tiny pot of lipgloss, housed in a miniature plastic pink tigerlily.  My frivolous purchases on exiting the gift shop post exhibitions yesterday at the V & A Museum in London.   After viewing Yoji Yamamoto's installation, what I really wanted was...his gorgeous emerald green winter coat,  a fabulous full length black cape, and the most vibrant yellow hat.  I say 'hat' but actually you could probably launch this 'piece' from the nearest port, its that big!  If you're a lover fashion and a fan of all things Japanese, like myself...then, I recommend Yamamoto's exhibit.  It's just the right size...not too much, not too little. An incredible artist, designer, filmmaker, philanthropist, and writer...did I mention his biography?  'My Dear Bomb', I'm on chapter one and the writing is quite beautiful.

Adjacent to Yamamoto's hall, is the the Cult of Beauty exhibition, which focuses on the Aesthetic Movement circa 1890-1900.  I won't tell porkies here, I got lost.  It's a little labyrinth of rooms where I felt the wistful gazes of beauties, frozen in time....their eyes followed as I wove through the ambling enthusiasts, searching for the exit.  I felt sorry for the ladies, stuck on the walls, framed in gold, for eternity.  Desperate for an escape...  What I enjoyed in here?  My favourites were the book cover designs.  Oscar Wilde, Geoffrey Chaucer spring to mind.  It's a large exhibition, if you are keen, I suggest you leave your pocket watch at home, you could be some time... 

Well, that dear friends, was my artsy Sunday afternoon.  Now, if you'll excuse me I need to christen the gaudy shower cap... £15 well spent?  We shall see...   How was your weekend?

Photocredit: Talei Loto