"Violent" and "gruesome" aren't adjectives typically associated with the world of fashion. However, curator Vivienne U.H. Doan hopes to change that.
Held at Superdeluxe in the Roppongi district of Tokyo, the third annual "Beautified Taboo — The Fashion Edition" exhibit seeks to add a dark dimension to fashion by combining it with art to explore the complex nature of societal taboos.
Uniting 12 avant-garde artists, photographers, performers and fashion designers, Doan seeks to portray taboos such as sexism, elitism and even cannabilism in a "beautified" and fashion-related way. It's an interesting juxtaposition; taboos are kept hidden while fashion's main purpose is to be seen.
Audiences can expect a multidiscinplinary experience featuring tableaux vivant, French for "living picture," interactive performances and an erotic aerial show by underground art darling Asagi Ageha.
"Although I very much appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life and the things around us, I have also observed and experienced the hidden, ugly and dark side of human existence," Doan says. "I'd like to invite people to come without expectations, but with an open mind and a heart for surprises."
"Beautified Taboo — The Fashion Edition" will be held at Super Deluxe on July 1 starting at 6 p.m. Admission is ¥2,000. For more information, visit www.beautified-taboo.com
