B.

A spectacular range of Japanese-inspired garments from some of the world's greatest designers.

The Japonism in Fashion exhibition, presented by the Christchurch Art Gallery in collaboration with the renowned Kyoto Costume Institute, will be a rare chance for local audiences to view a range of Japanese-inspired dresses from some of the world's greatest designers. The exhibition, which is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, has already visited major centres around the world, attracting rave reviews.

For New Zealand to get an unprecedented second show was due in large part to the quality of the new venue and the high level of interest it has raised not only nationally, but internationally, says Director, Tony Preston.

'New Zealand audiences were to get only the Te Papa showing, until the Kyoto Costume Institute became aware of our new Gallery,' says Tony Preston.

'They were extremely impressed with the new facility, allowing us – with the support of Te Papa – to secure the exhibition for the Mainland.'

Japonism in Fashion includes more than one hundred garments, fabrics and accessories by the leading names in fashion over the last 150 years, including Charles Frederick Worth, Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny, Coco Chanel, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, Issey Miyake, Gucci, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Junya Watanabe for Commes des Garçons.

'From the opulent, intricately patterned kimonos adapted to Victorian and Edwardian taste, to cutting-edge fashions from the catwalks of Milan and Paris, Japan has influenced fashion the world over,' says Tony Preston.

'This show provides an extraordinary opportunity to trace the path of the West's ongoing fascination with the East.'

'The exhibition also provides another cultural highlight to mark the biennial 2003 Festival of Asia and showcases the facility with another landmark exhibition,' says Tony Preston.

'Through exhibitions such as Japonism in Fashion we will continue to reach new audiences, and as a superb new facility of national significance, attract visitors from throughout New Zealand.'

In association with the Friends of the Gallery, a Gala Fundraising Reception is planned for the opening of the exhibition on the evening of Thursday, 11 December. A glamorous occasion to match the calibre of the works on display, dress is black tie/formal. A limited number of tickets are available for $50 (Friends of the Christchurch Art Gallery) and $75 (public). For more information contact the Friends office on (03) 941 7356.

Exhibition number 710