Yohji Yamamoto

Thinking of Japan, which was struck by a 9.0 undersea earthquake that caused a giant tsunami, killing thousands and, possibly, damaging a number of nuclear power plants.

Sonnet takes Madeleine to the opening last week Thursday, the night before everything changed.

"The V&A presents one of the most influential and enigmatic fashion designers of the last forty years, Yohi Yamamoto. Yamamoto is a visionary designer who has made a vital contribution to fashion, challenging traditional norms of clothing with his avant-garde style. This is his first major solo show in the UK and is an installation-based retrospective showcasing over 80 women's and menswear garments, which are most representative of his work.

Central to Yamamoto's design are bespoke textiles made to his specifications by crafts people in Japan. Over the years, Yamamoto has also worked with a number of collaborators in photography, film and theatre to produce iconic works and images. The exhibition will explore the work of a designer who has proved and inspired the fashion world."

--V&A brochure; exhibition from 12 March to 20 July, 2011.