A Guide To Comme des Garçons: 10 Things To Know
1. The Origin of Comme des Garçons
Comme des Garçons, often referred to as CdG, is a high-end fashion brand founded by Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969. The name, which translates to “like boys” in French, represents the brand’s avant-garde and gender-bending aesthetic. From its early days, Comme des Garçons challenged traditional fashion norms and pushed boundaries through its eccentric and innovative designs.
2. Rei Kawakubo: The Creative Force
Rei Kawakubo is the visionary behind Comme des Garçons. Her unique approach to fashion has earned her a reputation as one of the most influential designers of our time. Kawakubo’s designs often defy categorization and blur the lines between clothing, art, and sculpture. She is known for her revolutionary designs, unconventional silhouettes, and her ability to challenge societal norms through fashion.
3. The Playful Heart Logo
Comme des Garçons’ iconic heart logo, designed by Polish artist Filip Pagowski, has become synonymous with the brand. The simple yet playful heart design, often adorned with charmingly wide eyes, can be found on various CdG garments and accessories. The heart logo adds a touch of whimsy to the brand’s avant-garde aesthetic, and its widespread recognition has made it a symbol of Comme des Garçons’ unique identity.
4. Comme des Garçons Fashion Lines
Comme des Garçons offers an array of fashion lines that cater to different tastes and budgets. The main line, Comme des Garçons, features avant-garde and experimental designs. Comme des Garçons Homme focuses on menswear, while Comme des Garçons Homme Plus brings an avant-garde twist to men’s fashion. The brand also includes PLAY, a more accessible line known for its heart logo, as well as Comme des Garçons SHIRT, BLACK, and many other sub-labels that cater to diverse fashion sensibilities.
5. Collaboration Mania
Comme des Garçons is renowned for its collaborations with various brands and designers from different industries. These collaborations allow CdG to merge its avant-garde aesthetic with the creative visions of others. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Nike, Converse, Supreme, and H&M. These collaborations not only bring unique and limited-edition pieces to the fashion world but also serve as a platform for cross-pollination of ideas and styles.
6. Comme des Garçons Fragrances
In addition to its fashion lines, Comme des Garçons has created a diverse range of captivating fragrances. CdG’s fragrance collection explores unconventional scents and dares to challenge traditional expectations. Fragrances like the iconic “Comme des Garçons 2” or the popular “Wonderwood” offer intriguing olfactory experiences that align with the brand’s overall artistic and non-conforming ethos.
7. Flagship Stores and Worldwide Presence
Comme des Garçons has a strong global presence with flagship stores in major fashion capitals around the world. The brand’s stores are meticulously designed, often collaborating with renowned architects to create unique retail spaces that reflect the essence of Comme des Garçons. In addition to their physical stores, CdG products can also be purchased online from their official website and select luxury retailers.
8. The Extravagant Runway Shows
Comme des Garçons is known for its extravagant runway shows that go beyond conventional fashion presentations. Rei Kawakubo sees the runway as a platform to challenge norms and provoke thought. CdG runway shows are highly anticipated events in the fashion world, featuring avant-garde designs, intriguing themes, and a captivating atmosphere that blurs the line between fashion and art.
9. Influences on Contemporary Fashion
Comme des Garçons’ unconventional and fearless approach to fashion has left an indelible mark on the industry. Rei Kawakubo’s ability to challenge established norms and redefine beauty has inspired countless designers and creatives worldwide. The brand’s influence can be seen in the rise of deconstructed design, the reimagining of gender norms in fashion, and the rejection of traditional aesthetics in favor of individual expression.
10. Comme des Garçons Today and Beyond
After more than five decades, Comme des Garçons continues to thrive as a brand that defies expectations. With Rei Kawakubo at the helm, Comme des Garçons pushes boundaries, challenges conventions, and remains an unrivaled force in the fashion world. The brand’s unique identity, commitment to innovation, and unwavering dedication to artistic expression ensure that Comme des Garçons will continue to have a lasting impact on contemporary fashion for years to come.
