ART | A First in Japan! How to Enjoy the Marc Jacobs Exhibition
Space Composer Junji Tanigawa Offers a Special Guide
ART | Japan Premiere! How to Enjoy the Marc Jacobs Exhibition
An exhibition tracing the history of the fashion brand "Marc Jacobs",MARC JACOBS ICONIC SHOWPIECES EXHIBITIONis being held until Sunday, April 14th, at the event space "IDOL" in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. The playful space, embodying the brand's worldview, was created by space composer Junji Tanigawa, a familiar name to OPENERS readers. This time, he specially guides us through how to enjoy the exhibition.Junji TanigawaHe guided us through how to enjoy the exhibition.
Text by JUNKO TANAKA (OPENERS)
Experience the Brand's World Through Showpieces
Born in New York in 1986, "Marc Jacobs" is a fashion brand filled with the designer Marc Jacobs's unique sensibilities and aesthetic. It has grown into a global maison with 260 stores in 60 countries. Its world, not just beautiful but sometimes provocative, challenging the wearer's spirit, and at other times "cute" like a young girl's, continues to captivate people worldwide.
The "MARC JACOBS ICONIC SHOWPIECES EXHIBITION" features 21 carefully selected showpieces (dresses that appeared in runway shows since 2005) from Marc Jacobs's archives. This is the first such presentation in Japan. Shintaro Hashida, representative of Marc Jacobs Japan, was deeply impressed after seeing an exhibition in Hong Kong last year, thinking, "There's no better way to experience the brand's world." He then worked with the head office to make this exhibition a reality.
"I wanted to create a space that prominently showcases Marc's signature style. To convey his charm, the key was to eliminate anything superfluous. That's where I focused most of my effort."
These are the words of Junji Tanigawa, who, as the exhibition's producer, transformed the "IDOL" space into the world of "Marc Jacobs." For OPENERS readers, he offers a guide to enjoying the exhibition.
Two Talents Meet and Create a Chemical Reaction!
Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye are the advertising campaign visuals by fashion photographer Juergen Teller, who has collaborated with Mr. Jacobs since 1998. They feature the faces of celebrities who are also brand loyalists, such as Sofia Coppola and Victoria Beckham. Tanigawa describes this area as "intentionally planned," the only part of the exhibition that feels like a traditional "art exhibition." The lighting is subdued, creating a moody, museum-like atmosphere.
The chemical reaction between Tanigawa and Mr. Jacobs truly begins here. Stepping into the inner space, a bright, eye-opening light floods in.
Particularly striking among the campaign visuals was Victoria Beckham (left), whose feet and face emerged from a shopping bag. "To let visitors experience Victoria's mood," a special photo booth was set up with the same props for commemorative photos. (Right: Ayumi Hamasaki posing at the photo booth)
"I wanted to showcase everything about Marc's work, from the stitching and fabric to the patterns, in its entirety. I decided to create a runway-like platform in the center of the room, display the showpieces, and illuminate them with bright light from both above and below. Being able to reveal everything like this is possible only because of the high quality of his work. You can see every single stitch line (laughs)."
The Energy of the Works Radiates
The contrast with the moody entrance makes for a truly enjoyable presentation. As you gaze at the literally glittering dresses displayed on the slightly elevated platform, a smile naturally comes to your face. The same can be said for the bags displayed next to the dresses, which rotate and show various expressions.
"We've adopted a different approach than a typical museum exhibition. One aspect is presenting the works at such close proximity. They are not behind glass cases. This is likely the first and last time you'll be able to see these showpieces at a distance where their energy truly radiates. We're open until 11 PM, so I hope you'll visit multiple times to experience it."
Mr. Jacobs's works, now alive with expression in Tanigawa's space, seem to have been breathed back to life. There is something undeniably uplifting for the viewer, something that transcends the simple term "clothing."
"As I lined up Marc's works, I noticed that 'playfulness' is incorporated everywhere. Even as a man, I can appreciate, 'Wearing this to a party would really lift my spirits!' It inexplicably gives you energy. Yet, the fact that it doesn't become outlandish despite all this 'play' is a testament to Marc's talent. Above all, you can tell he enjoys making things. He doesn't have a fixed style and consistently subverts expectations in the best way. I want everyone to fully immerse themselves in the world of his fun creations here."
Junji Tanigawa
Born in 1965. Space Composer / Representative of JTQ. Focusing on "transmitting messages through space as a medium," he constructs communication contexts tailored to specific objectives, including events, exhibitions, installations, and commercial space development. He provides creative direction from both design and functional perspectives. Major works include KRUG bottle cooler (2011), Yakushiji Temple Light Painting for the 1300th Anniversary of Heijo-kyo Capital (2010), Kansei Exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Louvre Palace, Paris (2009), Good Design Expo (2007-2011), JAPAN BRAND EXHIBITION (2007), and the Japan Media Arts Festival (2005-2008). www.jtq.jp
MARC JACOBS ICONIC SHOWPIECES EXHIBITION
Dates | Until Sunday, April 14
Hours | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Admission | Free
Venue | IDOL
B1F, 5-11-9 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
http://idoltokyo.com
Marc Jacobs Customer Center
Tel. 03-4335-1711