All Photos By Gail

In late-20th century Japan, the color pink became widely associated with the girl culture and it’s preoccupation with Kawaii or extreme cuteness – demonstrated here by a Candy Pink Doll’s Dress merged onto an adult-sized sheath. This pink dress can also be worn as a prom outfit and this pink prom dress details experiment with elements of Kawaii style, using ruffles, a Peter Pan collar, and frothy textures.

In present day, Japan, however, pink is also imbued with connotations of sex and eroticism, and these have not been lost on fashion anarchist Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. This dress is from her fall 2007 Curiosity collection.

Photographed as Part of the Exhibit Food and Fashion at the Museum at FIT in New York City.

Installation View (Backdrop By Mark Ryden)