Returning to the early days of a fashion designer’s work is an interesting exercise that maps an intellectual and aesthetic journey, an evolution of means and commercial motives, and a general progression with the times. For A#2′s Yohji Yamamoto this has been a long road, as he began showing in Paris over two decades ago in 1981.

Crowned the master of black, Yohji was a revolutionary who interpreted classical European tailoring into a new and exciting silhouette, falling with a new exaggerated  volume and asymmetric cut. With a loose androgyny, Yohji introduced a generation to a comfortable luxury built on draping and texture, crisp whites contrasting inky black and rare bursts of bold colour.

Through the years, Yohji has not wavered from his vision, despite the dramatic changes in mainstream style and within the work of other designers. As the images below illustrate, elements of his work can be seen following through many collections, from the earliest images we have from 1983, all the way through to his most recent show. From a polished lace-up shoe to a flowing white shirt, his signature is unmistakeable, and his legacy an inspiration to many as a benchmark of fine craftsmanship and a sensual approach to avant-garde fashion.

All images, rights reserved, Yohji Yamamoto.

Above: Yohji Yamamoto Spring Summer 1983

Above: Yohji Yamamoto Spring Summer 1985

Above: Yohji Yamamoto Spring Summer 1989

Above: Yohji Yamamoto Fall Winter 1988-99

Above: Yohji Yamamoto Spring Summer 1990