La Museum Shibuya: A New Physical Exhibit from Japan’s Virtual Fashion Hub

TOKYO — La Museum, a cutting-edge virtual fashion museum born from one of Japan’s most renowned vintage stores, is making waves as it opens a unique physical exhibit.

Exhibition Overview

This exhibition showcases iconic designs from both Japanese and international designers, highlighting groundbreaking looks that span from the 1970s to the 2000s.

The Vision Behind La Museum

Curated by Hideo Hashiura, the buyer for the vintage store Laila, La Museum began as a virtual archive in July 2024. It previously held a brief one-day exhibit at a forest villa in Nagano, designed by the acclaimed architect Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA. This new exhibit marks the museum’s first multi-day experience focused on telling a compelling story within fashion history.

A Unique Location in Shibuya

La Museum Shibuya opens its doors this Saturday for a two-week engagement located in the basement of an unassuming office building, mere steps from one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods. With the building’s demolition imminent, Hashiura and his team seized the chance to utilize the space creatively.

Immersive Experience for Visitors

“Running a virtual museum has been rewarding, but experiencing fashion in person is irreplaceable,” says Hashiura. “The details and design come alive up close.” This Shibuya exhibit is organized into five thematic sections, allowing visitors to interact with the mannequins placed at floor level, offering an intimate experience of the displayed looks.

A Bold Vision for Future Exhibitions

Hashiura’s ambition extends beyond the current exhibition. “I envision an exhibit featuring 1,000 mannequins and numerous fitting rooms for the public to try on the clothes,” he explains. Balancing engagement with the fragility of fashion pieces poses a challenge, as clothing is both art and an item meant for wear.

What’s on Display at La Museum Shibuya

The Shibuya exhibit features approximately 50 looks from La Museum’s online archive, “1950s-2010s Part 2: History of Modern Fashion Design.” Attendees will encounter creations from luminaries such as Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, and Alexander McQueen, alongside a spotlight on the Antwerp Six designers.

Celebrating Fashion History

The exhibition also features historical photographs by Shoichi Aoki, capturing street-style moments from Paris in 1989 during the showcase of the Maison Martin Margiela spring 1990 collection. This visual pairing enhances the narratives behind the garments, bridging the gap between past and present.

Future Aspirations for La Museum

Despite the logistical challenges of setting up and dismantling a physical exhibit, Hashiura expresses his desire to continue presenting future exhibitions. Currently, he is expanding La Museum’s collection, having recently acquired vintage pieces from Kerry Taylor Auctions in New York. The passion for sharing fashion’s history continues to drive his work.

Details and Accessibility

La Museum Shibuya will be open from this Saturday until June 29, offering free admission to all visitors. This opportunity stands as an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of fashion history in a tangible format.