Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

From the 1980s to the present day, Comme des Garcon’s Rei Kawakubo has defied conventional dualities; in this dress – affixed with a giant teddy bear, she merges childhood and adulthood in a riot of frills, flowers and fun. (At the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Sept 4th).

Rei Kawakubo, Not Making Clothing, spring/summer 2014.

China: Through the Looking Glass at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most divine dresses in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition of China-inspired Western fashions is this evening gown by Guo Pei in the museum’s Chinese Buddhist sculpture galleries. Though the model’s dress incorporates a lotus throne like the sculpture, it doesn’t seem to advocate any rejection of worldly pleasures. (Through Sept 7th).

Guo Pei, Evening Gown, spring/summer 2007, Haute Couture, gold lame embroidered with gold and silver silk, metal and sequins.