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Mori Hanae’s Butterfly Effect: Lessons in the Power of Japanese Womanhood

  • A model wears a jump suit and chiffon cape by Mori Hanae at the Japanese fashion designer’s Spring/Summer 2003 show in Tokyo on February 21, 2003. The waves and butterfly motifs were inspired by renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai. (© Reuters)

    A model wears a jump suit and chiffon cape by Mori Hanae at the Japanese fashion designer’s Spring/Summer 2003 show in Tokyo on February 21, 2003. The waves and butterfly motifs were inspired by renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai. (© Reuters)

  • Mori, age 35, in 1961. (© Kyōdō)

    Mori, age 35, in 1961. (© Kyōdō)

  • Mori’s chrysanthemum-patterned “pajama dress,” at an exhibition of the designer’s works in Tokyo in March 2006. (© AFP/Jiji)

    Mori’s chrysanthemum-patterned “pajama dress,” at an exhibition of the designer’s works in Tokyo in March 2006. (© AFP/Jiji)

  • Mori’s creations on display at the Iwami Art Museum as part of the exhibition “Hanae Mori Vital Type: 100th Anniversary of Birth” in October 2025. The exhibition is showing at the National Art Center in Tokyo until July 6, 2026. (© Kyōdō)

    Mori’s creations on display at the Iwami Art Museum as part of the exhibition “Hanae Mori Vital Type: 100th Anniversary of Birth” in October 2025. The exhibition is showing at the National Art Center in Tokyo until July 6, 2026. (© Kyōdō)

  • Flight attendants of Japan Airlines model uniforms created by Mori. The outfits were used from 1970 to 1977. (© Jiji)

    Flight attendants of Japan Airlines model uniforms created by Mori. The outfits were used from 1970 to 1977. (© Jiji)

  • Crown Princess Masako (right) and Crown Prince Naruhito wave to onlookers during their wedding parade in Tokyo in June 1993. (© Kyōdō)

    Crown Princess Masako (right) and Crown Prince Naruhito wave to onlookers during their wedding parade in Tokyo in June 1993. (© Kyōdō)

  • Singer Misora Hibari appears in Mori’s phoenix-inspired gown during her comeback concert at Tokyo Dome in April 1988. (© Kyōdō)

    Singer Misora Hibari appears in Mori’s phoenix-inspired gown during her comeback concert at Tokyo Dome in April 1988. (© Kyōdō)

  • From left: Volleyball player Nakagaichi Yūichi, Mori, and synchronized swimmer Kotani Mikako at the unveiling of the Japanese team’s uniform for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. (© Jiji)

    From left: Volleyball player Nakagaichi Yūichi, Mori, and synchronized swimmer Kotani Mikako at the unveiling of the Japanese team’s uniform for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. (© Jiji)

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