Yohji Yamamoto (Japanese, b. 1943). “Wedding Dress,” spring/summer 2000. Natural cotton muslin and ivory silk jersey with large laser-cut holes. Gift of Minori Shironishi, 2003 (2003.573.8a, b).
This unconventional wedding dress concluded a presentation by Yohji Yamamoto that, according to Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, “pushed one to think about construction.” From the first model in a muslin sheath with only dressmaker’s marks as decoration, Yamamoto sought to establish his interest in the fundamental principles of dressmaking. The details of creating a toile, or sample in muslin, from which the final pattern for a garment is taken were made especially legible in the designer’s use of the inexpensive cotton. The stitches that establish the grain lines of the cloth, the spiraling of the fabric indicating the draper’s process, and the control of fullness through the use of tucks and darts were especially visible in designs that appeared poised near, but not past, the point of resolution and completion. While the nature of its materials suggests the provisional quality of the work, the gown is crafted with the careful finish of a couture atelier. Nonetheless, the wedding dress projects the energetic spontaneity of a sketch, like a schematic of an idea rather than a conclusive and fixed work.
March 13, 2008 at 1:34 pm
The dress is so elegant and flowing. I would feel like a princess if I wore it.
March 13, 2008 at 1:48 pm
This looks like it would be very difficult to wear, but I suppose wedding dresses, by definition, are less like garments and more like objects.
March 14, 2008 at 8:59 am
Ah yes, another yohji yamoto. At last years geneva convention yohji unvealed a gem not quite unlike this one, it was entitled “Las Ninos” and i found that, in comparison, is quite…dare i say it… ugly! This dress flows like hot maple syrup on a yummy yummy waffle.
March 14, 2008 at 9:50 am
Our fashion really enjoys visulaizing herself on her wedding day in this beaultiful wedding garment. We absolutely agree with her opinion. We enjoy the drappery on the shoulder; it really really brings out the garment as a whole.
xoxo GIJOSHAY
March 14, 2008 at 11:52 am
I love the idea of taking something so basic and fundamental in a shop and using it to create amazing sculptural pieces. Everything about this dress is fascinating. From the way the muslin is draped from the bodice, to the laser cut holes, to the way it’s stiffened in some places is just amazing. A true testament to Yohji’s skills.
March 19, 2008 at 12:20 pm
This “IDo” dress was sooooo beautiful! I would be so honored to wear this at my own wedding!
March 19, 2008 at 3:39 pm
What an interesting idea…perfection of the incomplete.
March 20, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I love the dress. I thought it was a cool modern version of a simple white dress. Very cool secret patterens hidding everywhere.
March 22, 2008 at 10:15 am
i really like the silk part of this but i think it needs sleeves and a little bit less triming if you could call it trimming
March 24, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I wish that I could awake and wear this each day… and some days I feel like I as light as this gown looks…..
March 25, 2008 at 12:42 pm
The “I do” dress is kinda funky cool but i wouldnt where it woot!
March 27, 2008 at 1:25 pm
J’adore. C’est beau.
April 1, 2008 at 3:25 am
I would love to wear something like this on my wedding day. I don’t think the rest of the world is ready for a traditional event such as a wedding to showcase such expression of fashion.
April 13, 2008 at 12:54 pm
It is very majestically draped. The flow of the dress is made exactly for a special party, an evening gown it is.