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




Comments

Anonymous said…
A peacock shower cap?? Must see pic!
Melissa Amateis said…
ARGH. This just makes me that much more frustrated that I was unable to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum last time I was in London. :-) Next time!

My weekend was good...I just need one more day off of work, though, and it would be almost perfect!
notesfromnadir said…
How lucky you are to be able to visit that museum. Thanks for the book recommendation!
Sylvia Ney said…
Sounds like a wonderful weekend! What a great picture.
Jemi Fraser said…
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I cleaned out closets ... not nearly as glamourous!! :)
Ann said…
This exhibition sounds fabulous. I visited the V&A a few years ago specifically for a hat exhibition. It was so much fun!
Talli Roland said…
Oh, that sounds fantastic, and I love the V&A! Mine wasn't nearly as interesting!
Meredith said…
How did I miss this exhibit? I had about thirty minutes to kill last weekend in the V&A, but I couldn't find that--and I definitely didn't get a shower cap! Clearly, I have to go back to London soon. :)
Danette said…
That sounds like a fab exhibit and a grand way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Saturday I worked (meh!!!) so Sunday we went on a hike and tried to make the most of the day. It was lovely. I'd rather be where you are!!!
Anonymous said…
Have loved Yamamoto's work since fashion school days...That was a great exhibition, you're a lucky girl :)
Donea Lee said…
I love the dress you have pictured. Sounds like a fascinating exhibit. I love that kind of stuff!! (Now, just need to fly to London - right?) :)
Kimberly Krey said…
Sounds like a great weekend! The highlight of mine: took the kids to get Krispy Kremes. :)
Beautiful pic btw!
PK HREZO said…
That sounds wonderful! I'm green with envy. ;)
LynNerdKelley said…
I love that photo. Sounds like a super cool exhibit.

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