The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has unveiled plans for a landmark exhibition titled Westwood | Kawakubo, set to open on December 7, 2025, in Melbourne. This ambitious showcase will bring together over 140 garments from two of fashion’s most influential figures: the late British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese avant-garde visionary Rei Kawakubo. The exhibition marks the first time these pioneering designers have been paired in a major museum presentation.
Curated by NGV’s senior curators Katie Somerville and Danielle Whitfield, the exhibition will explore thematic intersections between Westwood and Kawakubo, rather than following a chronological format. Key themes include punk and provocation, body and silhouette, and historical references. The curators aim to highlight the designers’ shared ethos of challenging fashion norms and redefining beauty standards.
Vivienne Westwood, who passed away in December 2022, is renowned for her role in shaping the punk aesthetic of the 1970s. Her designs often fused historical elements with rebellious flair, as seen in her 1993/94 Anglomania collection. Iconic pieces such as the tartan ballgown worn by Kate Moss and the towering platforms that famously caused Naomi Campbell’s runway tumble will be featured.
Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons, has consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion with her deconstructed silhouettes and conceptual designs. The exhibition will showcase notable works including the “lumps and bumps” collection from Spring/Summer 1997 and the floral gown worn by Rihanna at the 2017 Met Gala. Kawakubo has personally donated over 40 pieces to the NGV for this exhibition.
NGV Director Tony Ellwood emphasized the significance of this exhibition, noting that it is the gallery’s first major fashion exhibition to focus exclusively on two female designers. He stated, “This exhibition celebrates two leading female fashion designers from different cultural backgrounds, who both had strong creative spirits and pushed boundaries.”
The NGV has a history of successful dual-artist exhibitions, such as Warhol | Ai Weiwei and Keith Haring/Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines. However, Westwood | Kawakubo represents a groundbreaking moment as the first to feature two women designers, highlighting their contributions to fashion and culture.
Westwood | Kawakubo will be on display at NGV International from December 7, 2025, to April 19, 2026. Tickets will be available through the NGV website.