90s Kansai Yamamoto ‘Palpitant’ Embroidered Leather Bomber Jacket

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.

Debuting in the late 90s, this ‘Palpitant’ bomber jacket exemplifies Kansai Yamamoto and sub-designer Yutaka Nishimura’s incredibly unique design philosophy. While minimal on the face of the jacket, the underside depicts an embroidered portrait in which a brunette heroine sits amongst horses, jewels and ‘Kansai Man’ bubble lettering. Exploding from the centre of her gaze, each mammal stirs with angst, contrasting her saddened gaze. Titled as the ‘Palpitant’ bomber due to the neckline tag which reads “Palpitant is a word with a subtle ring. Only a a person can give life to clothes by wearing them. We should not be ‘worn’ by the clothes, but the wearer’s personality and the character of the clothes should blend into one. , and produce a certain atmosphere. This is what I meant by Palpitant”. The bomber is tagged as a size large and is in pristine condition throughout.