The Mesmerizing world of Japanese Folds

Folding and unfolding

The practice of ‘folding’ and ‘unfolding’ is a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture and design. This section displayed examples of Japanese decorative arts and fashion that explore the deeper meaning of folds.

Sculptural forms

Two-dimensional shapes can be changed into three-dimensional objects, such as a piece of fabric into a wearable outfit. Sculptural forms, such as clothing worn on the body, can also be geometrically layered back into a flat, folded object.

Kimonos

Kimonos are made in two-dimensions but when worn, the fabric is draped around the body to create a sculptural form. When removed, the kimono can be folded neatly back into compact layers. Kimonos are stored flat in a paper 'tatoshi'.

‘Japanese Folds’ showed the practice of folding and unfolding recurring throughout traditional decorative arts.

Dress by Issey Miyake
1995

The exhibition showed a sample of contemporary Japanese fashion which demonstrates a distinctive aesthetic of folding. This dress can be folded flat into circular form like a paper lantern.

The exhibition provided an insight into the concept of folding design and the link between Japanese cultural traditions and contemporary transformations.

Geometry and folding

While western fashion design has customarily focused on simulating the contours of the body, Japanese designers instead have tended to focus on designing garments that use geometry and folding to retain the two-dimensional nature of the fabric.

'The Wizard of Jeanz' collection designed by Hiroaki Ohya

This is the a series of 23 books which transforms into 23 different garments.

Folding in design

Folding can be seen not only in fashion but also in many other aspects of Japanese culture. Origami-like geometric design has profoundly influenced Japanese aesthetics.