New York architecture firm SO-IL has designed an exhibition to present a Japanese handicraft that uses remnants of hemp fabric, practice that originated in Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries when cold climate conditions made growing cotton difficult.
Boro has continued to today in the form of patchwork dresses, coats, blankets and shoes that have been repeatedly reworked over several generations, and make use of found materials and ad hoc methods.
Traditional Japanese kimonos, jackets and shirts hang from delicate frames that SO-IL designed to be reminiscent of the items being worn. The clothing are illuminated by lights inside the structures.
Underneath are vitrine cases for flat laying accessories such as socks, shoes and gloves.
Projects displayed range from timeworn and contemporary pieces, with many of the objects from the collection at Tokyo's Amuse Museum. They include works by fashion designers Christina Kim and Susan Cianciolo.
