Although widely unknown, Kansai Yamamoto stands as one of Japan’s prolific designers of the 19th century. Debuting his first collection in 1971, Yamamoto would become the first to hold a runway show in London, marking a cultural shift for the young artisan. While in Europe he would come in contact with David Bowie, igniting a career defining partnership as he created stage costumes for press releases and photoshoots. At the stylistic helm of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour, he would outfit the musician in futuristic androgyny, sporting Yamamoto’s most outrageous designs while inflating his on-stage persona. Bellowing silhouettes and skin fitting tops defined his artistic vision, in contrast to the designer’s Western portfolio.