From 'Western Formal Wear' to 'Men's Fashion'

'Japanese Men's Clothing—The Genesis of Men's Fashion—' is an exhibition that traces the evolution of Japanese men's attire from the early adoption of Western clothing to the formation of contemporary men's fashion.

The exhibition begins with the ceremonial attire for civil officials in the early Meiji period, when the government officially adopted Western dress codes in 1872. It then showcases military uniforms and civilian clothing from the Taisho and Showa eras. Furthermore, garments from influential brands like 'VAN,' which introduced the Ivy Style and significantly altered the trajectory of men's fashion in the 1960s, and 'Edwards,' which embraced European modes, will be presented together, transcending their respective eras.





Through these exhibits, the exhibition explores the history of how Western clothing, initially worn as formal attire, transformed into 'men's fashion' for the enjoyment of style itself.

Additionally, as a related event, a symposium titled '1960s—The Dawn of Men's Fashion' will be held on October 12 (Saturday). This symposium will examine the 1960s—a period when young people, inspired by Western culture, began to create new trends, marking the very beginning of men's fashion—from various perspectives including design and media.

Fashion is a means of self-expression for men as well. By understanding the historical context leading up to contemporary fashion, one might gain insights into the future of men's fashion.


'Japanese Men's Clothing—The Genesis of Men's Fashion—' Exhibition
Venue: Kobe Fashion Museum
Dates: October 11, 2013 (Friday) – January 7, 2014 (Tuesday)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, New Year holidays
Admission: General ¥500, Children/High School Students, Seniors (65+) ¥250
Address: 2-9-1 Kiyomizu-cho, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032, Japan
Tel. 078-858-0050
http://www.fashionmuseum.or.jp/museum/special.html

Clothing Japan 141 Symposium: '1960s—The Dawn of Men's Fashion'
Date: October 12 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 – 17:10
Venue: Orbis Hall, 5th Floor, Kobe Fashion Museum
Fee: Free admission (no prior registration required)

Part 1: Panel Discussion
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Participants: SHOSUKE Ishizu (Fashion Director), Toshiyuki KUROSU (Fashion Critic, Former Head of Planning, VAN),
Toshio SHIRAI (Director of Purchasing, Shinanoya), Saburo HATAno (Former Edwards Designer)
Moderator: Toru DODO (Kobe Fashion Museum)

Part 2: Presentations
Time: 13:00 – 16:00
13:00 –
'Fashion in the 1960s' Hiroyuki NARUMI (Associate Professor, Kyoto University of Art and Design)
13:45 –
'The Path to Contemporary Men's Fashion' Ryo ISHIZEKI (Curator, Costume Institute, Kyoto)
14:30 –
'Design in the 1960s' Masato INOUE (Full-time Lecturer, Mukogawa Women's University)
15:15 –
'Media Environment of the 1960s' Koushi NANBA (Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University)

Part 3: Discussion
Time: 16:20 – 17:10
Panelists: Hiroyuki NARUMI, Ryo ISHIZEKI, Masato INOUE, Koushi NANBA
Moderator: Toru DODO