This black block that calls itself a book is a joy to the eye and an object that is too beautiful to just put away on a shelf.
Yesterday I took it with me to spent an afternoon at the park and finished it within in two hours.
The book starts off with a letter to Yohji, written by his friend the German filmmaker Wim Wenders. Wim heard about the financial troubles the Yamamoto company was going through. In his letter he asks the exact questions that we all want answered in the most endearing, concerned way. Will Yohji Yamamoto continue doing his work now that he has lost the ownership of his company? Is he in good health? Will he overcome these difficulties?
At the flip of a page Yohji's answer is to be found. He is feeling better than ever and has just signed a twenty-year contract.
After this introduction the first of two chapters titled 'A Man' follows. It is about love, childhood memories, his hate for Azalea flowers, self written lyrics and a story about fish with human faces. The second chapter titled 'An Artist' is consistantly personal and honest. In this chapter the focus shifts from Yohji Yamamoto as a person to his work. He shares his intruiging visions and artistic views in short well thought rants and elucidations. These short stories are alternated with quotes, a piece from Vogue editor Irene Silvagni, photographs, sketches, drawings and even poem-like song lyrics.
Lastly My Dear Bomb is closed by a brief biography filled with anecdotes.
A quick yet inspiring read. the questionmarks put behind the generally coveted things like gold, pearls, accessories give you food for thought. While his fairytale-like stories and ideas trigger your imagination.
