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.
1950s Pierre Benoit Yellow & Gray Checked Wool Stroller Coat W/ Velvet Buttons
Located in Gresham, OR
A really lovely 1950s Pierre Benoit couture quality, French stroller coat. A full swing cut, yellow and gray checked wool is partially cut on the bias wi...
Yohji Yamamoto Camel Draped Cape Coat With High Neck & One Sleeve 2000
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Yohji Yamamoto camel-draped cape coat from the Fall/Winter 2000 collection, featuring an asymmetric silhouette, a dramatic high-folded neck...
CELINE Size 6 Khaki Brown Olive Wool Blend Plaid Raglan Sleeve Coat
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
CELINE coat in a khaki, brown, and olive wool blend fabric featuring a plaid pattern, raglan sleeves, and button closure with gold tone metal logo buttons.Excellent Pre-Owned Conditi...
$708
Size: 38 (Fr) 8 (Us) M but fit also L
Yellow, black and white check jacket JC/DC By Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
By Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Yellow, black and white check jacket. Fabric composition: 61% polyester, 2% rayon, 12% linen, 9% cotton, 3% elastane. Lining: 100% rayon Zip in the middle front and pockets. Branded ...
$955
Size: S on tag but also M
Double breasted wool jacket with check pattern COMME DES GARÇONS Tricot
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Double breasted wool ( 90%) and nylon ( 10%) jacket with check pattern . Cupro lining. Pocket on both side. SIZE S on tag but also M
Oscar De La Renta Yellow & Black Tweed Jacket - 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar De La Renta Yellow & Black Tweed Jacket - 10. This jacket is in excellent condition and has a black lace trim. Measurements: Bust- 33" Shoulder to Shoulder- 14.5" Sleeve...
Double breasted wool coat with check pattern MARITHE FRANCOIS GIRBAUD
By Marithe Francois Girbaud
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Double breasted wool coat with check pattern. Main fabric composition: 75% wool, 25% polyester. Cotton lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the front and on the cuffs. Pocket on ...
1940 Caramel Check Wool Swing Coat W/ Lantern Cut Sleeve & Structured Shoulders
Located in Gresham, OR
A stunning 1940s caramel and cream checked wool swing coat with a strong, structured iconic shoulder silhouette, lantern shaped sleeves and a single button closure at neck. No collar...
LILLI ANN Vintage brown checked mohair wide sleeve long overcoat
By Lilli Ann
Located in Hong Kong, NT
LILLI ANN Vintage brown checked mohair wide sleeve long overcoat Reference: PYCN/A00136 Brand: Lilli Ann Material: Mohair Color: Brown, Khaki Pattern: Checkered Lining: Brown Fabric ...
MARC JACOBS Size 38 Tan Plaid Wool Buttoned Coat
By Marc Jacobs
Located in San Francisco, CA
MARC JACOBS coat comes in a tan plaid wool with a full liner featuring a notch lapel, oversized fit, single back vent, slit pockets, and a buttoned closure. Made in Italy. Very Good ...
