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 — yet dapper — look. A master tailor with a distinctive style, he creates 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.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Yohji Yamamoto clothing, accessories, handbags and more.
$792Sale Price|20% Off
YOHJI YAMAMOTO black pixelated floral paisley cut out draped front midi dress S
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YOHJI YAMAMOTO black pixelated floral paisley cut out draped front midi dress S Reference: CRTI/A00500 Brand: Yohji Yamamoto Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Material: Rayon Color: Black Pat...
Yohji Yamamoto Burgundy Suspender Balloon Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Yohji Yamamoto Burgundy Suspender Balloon Dress is a striking statement piece that embodies avant-garde elegance and modern sophistication. Crafted from rich, deep burgundy fabric, the dress features a voluminous, balloon silhouette accented by suspender straps that add an edgy, architectural element. Its unconventional design makes it perfect for those who favor bold fashion choices with a minimalist yet artistic touch. This versatile piece can be styled with designer accessories to elevate its aesthetic; pair it with a sleek pair of Rick Owens leather...
Yohji Yamamoto black asymmetric draped evening dress, ss 1998
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in London, GB
▪ Yohji Yamamoto evening dress ▪ Spring-Summer 1998 ▪ Constructed from black polyester; twisted and draped around the bodice ▪ Rare runway piece ▪ Size Small ▪ Made in Japan All ph...
90s Yohji Yamamoto Navy Blue Crochet Beach Cover Up Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Yohji Yamamoto navy blue crochet asymetrical dress Size: fit size 2/4/6 Measurement: 34-36 30-32 36-38/40
Yohji Yamamoto Strapless Dress - '90s
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Cotton strapless dress with a fitted silhouette, exposed waist boning, visible stitching, and side zipper. Sculpted, edgy, and effortlessly chic. Remarks: It has been modified with...
2002 YOHJI YAMAMOTO distressed black denim and silk RUNWAY dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 2002 runway dress by Yohji Yamamoto is made from distressed black denim with a black silk under layer. The front is structured like a workwear piece, with a full center zipper ...
Yohji Yamamoto Women's Asymmetrical Wool Sweater Dress Size 3 Italy
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in CACHAN, FR
Magnificent asymmetrical sweater dress. Very good condition. Size 3. Composition label missing but it's wool.
Yohji Yamamoto S/S 1983 Ivory Draped Oversized Overall Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 1983 collection of Yohji Yamamoto, this ivory overall dress exemplifies the label's deconstructive approach to utilitarian tailoring. The upper bodice is cut in an overs...
Yohji Yamamoto Autumn/Winter 2007 Black Silk Bustier Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Manchester, GB
Yohji Yamamoto Autumn/Winter 2007 black silk dress with in-built structured bodice. Tagged size 2. Brand new with tags.
Yohji Yamamoto Red Knitted Wool-Cotton Sweater Dress with Hood, FW 2009
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Yohji Yamamoto ▪ Creative Director: Yohji Yamamoto ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2009 ▪ Fabric: Wool, Cotton ▪ Size: JP2 - EU Medium ▪ Made in: China ▪ Condition: Excellent ▪ Ma...
Vintage Yohji Yamamoto Red Plaid Jumper Dress 2003
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yohji Yamamoto red and black wool plaid knee-length jumper dress with adjustable straps. Collection 2003. Excellent Vintage Condition. Size Small
Yamamoto Cotton and Mohair Unstructured Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yamamoto -(Made in Japan) Cotton and mohair unstructured dress. Size 1, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Length without straps: 100 cm Condition: Very good condi...
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Abito midi nero in seta dei primi anni 2000
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Milano, IT
Abito nero con manica lunga a kimono di Yohji Yamamoto dei primi anni 2000. L’abito, lunghezza midi, ha lo scollo a cratere ed una baschina posizionata poco sotto alla vita. Sul dava...
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black & Grey Georgette Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black & Grey Georgette Dress
$157Sale Price|25% Off
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S abstract checked patchwork printed draped shirt dress JP1 S
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S abstract checked patchwork printed draped shirt dress JP1 S Reference: TGAS/C02020 Brand: Yohji Yamamoto Collection: Y'S Material: Feels like silk Color: Beige, Bl...
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Abito tunica lungo nero in lana dei primi anni 2000
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Milano, IT
Abito tunica nero con manica lunga di Yohji Yamamoto dei primi anni 2000. L’abito è lungo, ha la linea morbida e lo scollo ovale. Ha una piccola cintura dello stesso tessuto con fibb...
Scaasi Boutique Silk Ruffle Off Shoulder Dress 1980s
By Scaasi Boutique, Arnold Scassi
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk ruffle dress by Arnold Scassi. It is made of black dot flocked silk tulle In ruffled layers around the shoulders and 3 tiered layers creating the skirt. There...
Maillot de bain Christian Dior monogramme oblique logo trotter vintage
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
Maillot de bain 2 pièces monogramme dior. Très bonne état. Taille 90 B pour le top et la culotte convient à un 40. Très bonne état. Modèle rare et recherché.
1990's JEAN PAUL GAULTIER black wrap dress with belt
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black wrap style dress with enameled belt designed by Jean Paul Gaultier dating to the late 1990's. Labeled a French size 40 (Italian 44). Approximate measurements: 17" shoulder, 36"...
Vintage Versace Yellow Giraffe Print Dress with Fur Collar
By Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Versace chestnut brown and banana yellow giraffe print turtleneck long-sleeved dress featuring a removable tan and brown fur collar and center back zipper and gemstone button...
Chanel Black Petal Textured Swim Cover-Up Dress, Cruise 2009
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel vintage 2000s black sleeveless dress with tiers of petal shaped fabric at front. From the Cruise 2009 collection. Metal CC logo at back top. Lightweight fabric, great as a b...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
Saint Laurent Star Print Deep V Neck One Piece Halter Swimsuit Black White Red
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent black one piece halter swimming suit with red and white star print throughout. Flattering high cut legs and low cut back. Small metal ...
NEW Missoni Multicolor Signature Crochet Knit Kaftan Style Maxi Dress Gown 38
By Missoni
Located in Switzerland, CH
This classy Missoni dress epitomizes effortless seaside sophistication, blending the brand’s iconic heritage with a modern, relaxed silhouette. Featuring the signature zigzag knit, t...
Geoffrey Beene Boutique Silk Dress 1960s
By Geoffrey Beene, Geoffrey Beene Boutique
Located in Water Mill, NY
A charming silk dress in a pink/black check from Geoffrey Beene. It has a black Peter pan collar, side seam pockets, black button cuffs on long sleeves and round black decorative but...
Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The le...
Diane von Furstenberg Vintage Black Pink Floral Print Sheer Dress Boho, 1980s
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in San Francisco, CA
Diane von Furstenberg vintage 1980s slightly sheer belted dress in black and pink floral print. Cloth covered buttons to mid-front. Tie a...
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
early 1990's Yohji Yamamoto red asymmetrically seamed draped dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This phenomenal red dress designed by Yohji Yamamoto dating to the early 1990's is made from lightweight, slightly semi-sheer crepe fabric. The design features a flattering wide V-ne...
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Size: M but fit also L
Navy rayon sleeveless dress with one large ruffle on the hips YOHJI YAMAMOTO
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy rayon sleeveless dress with one large ruffle on the hips. Pocket on both side. SIZE M on tag but fit also L
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Abito tunica nero a pois grigi dei primi anni 2000.
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Milano, IT
Abito tunica nero con stampa degradè a pois grigi di Yohji Yamamoto dei primi anni 2000. L’abito ha la linea morbida, è senza maniche e lo scollo è arrotondato. Il davanti è moviment...
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Light Blue Bias Cut Cotton Dress With Floral Quilted Hemli
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Light Blue Bias Cut Cotton Dress With Floral Quilted Hemline
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 ...
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S abstract checked patchwork printed draped shirt dress JP1 S
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S abstract checked patchwork printed draped shirt dress JP1 S Reference: TGAS/C02020 Brand: Yohji Yamamoto Collection: Y'S Material: Feel...
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S 100% wool grey asymmetric button down boxy midi dress JP1 S
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Y'S 100% wool grey asymmetric button down boxy midi dress JP1 S Reference: TGAS/C02019 Brand: Yohji Yamamoto Collection: Y'S Material: Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid ...
Yohji Yamamoto Black Leather Coat Dress
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Sharon, CT
Beautiful avant garde leather and wool blend black outer coat dress.
YOHJI YAMAMOTO, Black Multi-Functional Shift Dress and Skirt
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Kingston, NY
This Yohji Yamamoto black one shoulder dress and skirt combination features an asymmetrical slit for a unique, eye-catching look. The design is timeless, yet fashion-forward, allowin...
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Wool Trumpet Hem Skirt
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
Fully lined in Cupro Rayon 1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Wool Trumpet Hem Skirt
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Poly/Cotton Stretch Maxi Skirt With Elastic Waistban
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Poly/Cotton Stretch Maxi Skirt With Elastic Waistband And Pocket, Deadstock
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Silk Chiffon Deconstructed Maxi Skirt
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in New York, NY
1990S YOHJI YAMAMOTO Black Silk Chiffon Deconstructed Maxi Skirt