Historical Dress Collection
2025-05-29 03:15:42

Exploring the Fascinating Historical Dress Collection of Japan's Cultural Heritage

The Allure of a Historical Dress Collection: A Cultural Exploration



The Pola Cultural Institute, located in the heart of Minato, Tokyo, is currently hosting a captivating exhibition at its Cosmetic Culture Gallery. This event explores the theme of clothing through historical lenses, focusing on the engaging talk event titled “The Philosophy of Dresses: Analyzing the Structure of the Tailored Body,” led by renowned clothing specimen specialist Akira Hasegawa.

Hasegawa showcased a remarkable collection of dresses, bodices, and corsets from the 19th to 20th centuries, providing attendees with a close-up view of these exquisite garments. This opportunity allows visitors to appreciate the intricate beauty and craftsmanship of historical clothing, a rarity in today’s fast-paced world.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a rare underdress from the 1840s, paired with a tea gown that epitomizes Western perceptions of Japonisme. This blend of cultural interpretation invites dialogue on how fashion reflects societal values and artistic expression, bridging the past with the present.

Attendees of the event were captivated by Hasegawa's in-depth explanations of the cutting techniques used in fabric and the architectural forms of dresses. Through this intimate knowledge, participants were encouraged to ask questions, which Hasegawa answered with great enthusiasm, further enhancing their understanding of fashion history.

In conjunction with the ongoing “European Attire” exhibition, visitors were treated to a visual feast of fashion plates and panels portraying how Westerners envisioned Japonisme through dress. The event's atmosphere buzzed with appreciation, as many took their time to examine the garments closely, gently touching the fabrics while immersing themselves in the beauty of historical fashion.

Michiyo Watanabe, a curator at the Pola Cultural Institute, shared her reflections, stating that collaborating with Hasegawa was a dream come true. By promoting the study of cosmetic culture, she emphasized the importance of understanding that people are about more than just their faces—they express themselves through their attire as well. Watanabe hopes that this theme of “dressing” will provide lifestyle insights to visitors, intertwining fashion and cosmetics.

With a vision to promote the social aspects of cosmetics as a cultural identity, Watanabe aims to collaborate with various creators to shed light on people's sense of beauty. The gallery plans numerous diverse programs, encouraging visitors to feel welcome to drop by when they are in Aoyama.

For more details on the event's schedule and related activities, visitors can check the reservation site here.

About the Cosmetic Culture Gallery


The gallery presents a compact yet rich exploration of cosmetic tools, ornaments, paintings, and literature, all designed to elucidate the cultural context of cosmetics and clothing in society. Curator-led gallery talks and reference sessions are available by reservation, offering a unique learning experience filled with insight, enjoyment, and discovery that is characteristic of a research institution’s gallery.

About Akira Hasegawa


Akira Hasegawa is a clothing specimen specialist known for his unique exhibitions. His “Half-Disassembled Exhibition” aims to convey the emotions of a century ago, exploring history and art through clothing. By deconstructing old Western garments into “specimens,” he investigates their structural beauty and wearability. Hasegawa reconstructs the elegance of centuries-old garments through modern patterns, allowing people to engage directly with the art of fashion. His upcoming book, “A New Textbook of Modern Apparel History: Understanding the History and Culture of Clothing Through Specimens,” is set for release in January 2025.

You can find Hasegawa on X (@rrr00129) and Instagram (@akira__hasegawa).

Current Exhibition Details


  • - Exhibition Name: European Attire: Focus on 19th-20th Century
  • - Dates: Ongoing until September 26 (Friday) Admission is free
  • - Open Days: Thursday and Friday (reservation required on Thursdays)
  • - Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) Closed on August 14 and 15
  • - Location: Pola Cultural Institute, Cosmetic Culture Gallery, 2-5-17 Minato Aoyama Building 1F, Tokyo, Japan

For more information about the exhibition, visit the official site.


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