Top and skirt, designed 2019 autumn–winter, made 2020, is an ensemble from Tomotaka Koizumi’s critically acclaimed first collection, presented at New York Fashion Week in February 2019. Characteristic of his practice, the work is maximalist in scale and uses metres of vibrantly-coloured Japanese polyester organza, first formed into ruffles and then machine-stitched together to create the garment. While his dresses typically use between 50 and 80 metres of fabric, this work employs over 200 metres. Choosing to work with one material is a strategy that Koizumi believes will consistently push him to create something new. Top and skirt embodies Koizumi’s exuberant aesthetic, the rainbow-hued ruffles expressive of his stated intention to make fashion that radiates pure joy and beauty.
National Gallery of Victoria