The avant-garde Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto has said, “dirty is good.” These three words capture the eccentric designer’s love of a dark and disheveled — but dapper — look. A master tailor with a distinctive style, Yamamoto deconstructed conventional silhouettes with his ready-to-wear company, Y's, and pioneered one of the first collaborations between luxury fashion and sportswear by way of the Y-3 collaboration with Adidas. He continues to create everything from coats and jackets to day dresses and evening gowns.
Yamamoto was born to a World War II widow in 1943. By the time he was 26, he had a law degree from Keio University and a fashion degree from Bunka Fashion College. In 1969, he won two Japanese fashion awards — the Endo Award and the Soen Award — which included a round-trip ticket to Paris.
It was in the French capital that Yamamoto realized the fashion world was changing. A casual aesthetic was replacing formal and classical sensibilities. He soon set up his first label — Y’s — and embarked upon designing heavy-duty sportswear.
Yamamoto launched women’s collections in 1977 in Tokyo, in 1981 in Paris and in 1982 in New York. Their pieces loosened the traditional female clothing silhouette in favor of shapes more typical of menswear: simple cuts, minimal details and generous proportions. In 1983, the New York Times wrote, “Yohji Yamamoto may stand barely five feet tall, but his effect on world fashion in the last two years has been enormous.”
In 1984, he made his first foray into men’s fashion under the Yohji Yamamoto label. In 1994, he was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and, in 2002, he became the creative director of Adidas’s Y-3.
Yamamoto’s fashion has been the subject of exhibitions around the world, including “May I help you” in 2002 at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, “Correspondences” in 2005 at the Gallery of Modern Art in Florence, Italy, and “Painting and Weaving Opportunity” in 2017 at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. In 2017, he received the DFA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Find vintage Yohji Yamamoto Adidas Y-3 clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto x Adidas Cream Wool Fur Shorts
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These incredible Y-3 Yohji x Adidas collaboration shorts are an avant-garde dream. These are the epitome of street-weird street style is a mix of textures, influences and colors and ...
$66Sale Price|44% Off
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS orange padded puffer top XS
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS orange padded puffer top XS Reference: ANWU/A00682 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Nylon Color: Orange Pattern: S...
Black sleeveless cotton jumpsuit with white stripes Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black sleeveless cotton jumpsuit with white cotton ribbon stripes appliqué. Snap closure on the left shoulder. Zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. SIZE XS on tag but fit more...
$126Sale Price|40% Off
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO grey 100% wool checkered black Y safety pin fringe scarf
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO grey 100% wool checkered black Y safety pin fringe scarf Reference: DYTG/A00059 Brand: Y's Yohji Yamamoto Collection: Y'S Material: Wool Color: Grey, Black Pattern...
Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto Mint Cheerleader Jacket
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Cropped, short-sleeved mint cheer jacket has stretch knit cuffs, a mesh lining, and double zippers, offering a multitude of ways to wear it.
Y-3 Flounced Skirt Dress
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This vintage layered, flounced skirt from Y-3 has an elasticized waist, which allows it to convert to a strapless dress. A drawstring gathers the black f...
Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO black hooded drawstring hem button down shirt jacket M
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO black hooded drawstring hem button down shirt jacket M Reference: WMTO/A00020 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Soli...
Y-3 Rhita Sport Black and White Sneakers, Size 38
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The athletic shoes feature black leather and textile, lace fastening and black and white striped detail.
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO grey 100% wool checkered black Y safety pin fringe scarf
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y'S YOHJI YAMAMOTO grey 100% wool checkered black Y safety pin fringe scarf Reference: DYTG/A00059 Brand: Y's Yohji Yamamoto Collection: Y'S Material: Wool Color: Grey, Black Pattern...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO khaki green cotton curved hem military overshirt jacket JP3 L
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO khaki green cotton curved hem military overshirt jacket JP3 L Reference: WMTO/A00015 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Cotton Color: Green Pattern: Solid...
Black asymmetrical cotton jersey dress Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical cotton jersey dress. Underlay in the same fabric in kaki on the bottom of the dress; Pocket on both side. Raw cut edge. SIZE M
Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto Marine Messenger Bag
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Dinstinctively nautical white and navy blue nylon messenger bag from Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto is lightweight and durable. It boasts an outer flap, with a zippered pocket, that secures with...
Y-3 Rhita Sport Green Trainers Sneakers, Size 7
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The athletic sneakers are made out of green leather and nylon, featuring laces fastening and orange signature Y-3 brand sign on outer sid...
BLACK FLEECE Size M Grey White Checkered Cotton Button Fly Shorts
By Black Fleece
Located in San Francisco, CA
BLACK FLEECE shorts in a grey and white cotton woven fabric featuring a checkered pattern, flat front, and button fly closure.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Multiple minor marks. Marked...
Hermes Duo Cosmique Scarf 90 Noir Vert Silk Twill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Duo Cosmique silk twill scarf. Featured in Noir, Vert andMulticolore colorway. The scarf pays tribute to Tantric Buddhism and ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Laced Leather Denim Skinny Jeans
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Laced Leather Denim Skinny Jeans - Runway look #4 Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Colle...
1980s Jean Claude Jitrois Zebra Leather Jacket
By Jean-Claude Jitrois
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel All Of The 80s Vibes In This Amazing Jean Claude Jacket! Features pieced leather applique in black and white zebra stripes and a hidden zebra face, complete with a detailed ear....
Courreges Striped Leather Belted Jacket, 1980s
By André Courrèges
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The most amazing mod inspired 1980s Courreges striped leather jacket! Made of a soft cream leather, accented with grey and red vertical stripes. Buttons up the side of the chest with...
Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel cool and collected with this 80's era Chanel skirt set! This two-in-one ensemble is completely reversible for a whole new look making this Chanel...
Hermès Grands Fonds Black Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Grands Fonds silk scarf is in 100% silk with hand rolled edges,designed by Annie Faivre.
Oscar de la Renta Silk Ruffle Palazzo Pants
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous black silk palazzo wide leg pants from Oscar de la Renta. They are high rise skimming the hips with wide legs flaring to the hem. There is intricate seaming with small ruff...
Yohji Yamamoto 2000’s black dramatic asymmetrical skirt Carolyn Bessette
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Yohji Yamamoto early 2000’s collection dramatic black asymmetrical long skirt, Carolyn bessette Kennedy inspiration. Size 3
Chanel New Black Foulard en Soie Scarf
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Chanel Foulard en Soie Scarf features a Chanel black and white print with a red border. Please note that there are some color smudges; please refer to photos.
Chloé 2011 Runway High Waist Tailored Olive Gris Silk Cotton Shorts France Paris
By Chloe For Saks Fifth Ave, Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe
Located in San Diego, CA
Size 38 / US 6 Measurements: 28 inch waist 38 inch hips 16.5 inches in length Elegant Chloé high-waisted tailored shorts from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, designed during the...
Bonnie Cashin Sills Vintage Suede Dress Coat
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Oakland, CA
Bonnie Cashin for Sills mustard colored suede dress/coat. I believe this piece dates to the 1960s or 1970s. Leather trim with rear goldtone button closure. There are seven total but...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black straps striped pleather side flared dungarees
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black straps striped pleather side flared dungarees Reference: ANWU/A01346 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Pol...
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO pink cyclist embroidery black leather top handle bag
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO pink cyclist embroidery black leather top handle bag Reference: ANWU/A01342 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Fabric, Leather Color: Black, Pink Clo...
YOHJI YAMAMOTO red faux fur collar 3 stripes belted cropped biker jacket S
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YOHJI YAMAMOTO red faux fur collar 3 stripes belted cropped biker jacket S Reference: ANWU/A01082 Brand: Y3 Material: Fabric, Faux Fur Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Lining: ...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black nylon brown genuine fur reversible vest jacket S
By Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black nylon brown genuine fur reversible vest jacket S Reference: ANWU/A00687 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Nylon Color: Black, Brown Pattern:...
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS volleyball distressed leather crossbody bag
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS volleyball distressed leather crossbody bag Reference: ANWU/A00912 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Ma...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black wool fur lined hood cocoon coat XS
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black wool fur lined hood cocoon coat XS Reference: ANWU/A00738 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Feels like wool C...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black wool double breasted flared capelet trench XS
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black wool double breasted flared capelet trench XS Reference: ANWU/A00740 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Feels ...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS blue nylon padded puffer jacket pants track suit sets
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS blue nylon padded puffer jacket pants track suit sets Reference: ANWU/A00700 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Feels like nylon Color: Blue Patter...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black nylon brown genuine fur reversible vest jacket S
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS black nylon brown genuine fur reversible vest jacket S Reference: ANWU/A00687 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Nylon Color: Black, Brown Pattern:...
Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO black satin dress with sheer skirt
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black satin button up dress with sheer skirt designed by Yohji Yamamoto for Y-3. Size M. Approximate measurements: shoulder 15", bust 34", waist 29" and length at center back ...
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS blue nylon padded puffer jacket pants track suit sets
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS blue nylon padded puffer jacket pants track suit sets Reference: ANWU/A00700 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Feels like nylon Color: Blue Patter...
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS volleyball distressed leather crossbody bag
By Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare Y3 YOHJI YAMAMOTO ADIDAS volleyball distressed leather crossbody bag Reference: ANWU/A00912 Brand: Y3 Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Ma...