A Guide To Comme des Garçons: 10 Things To Know
If there’s one brand that epitomizes avant-garde fashion and pushes the boundaries of design, it’s Comme des Garçons. Founded by the visionary Rei Kawakubo in 1969, this Japanese fashion house has become synonymous with creativity and innovation. Whether you’re a devoted fan or curious newcomer, here are 10 key things to know about Comme des Garçons
1. Trailblazing Origins
Comme des Garçons, which translates to “like boys” in French, was born out of Kawakubo’s desire to challenge the norms of fashion. From the very beginning, the brand disrupted the industry with its unconventional silhouettes, asymmetrical cuts, and distressed finishes. This new aesthetic represented a departure from the traditional emphasis on femininity and conformity, setting the stage for the brand’s future groundbreaking designs.
2. Design Philosophy
Rei Kawakubo has always been driven by a strong design philosophy that transcends mere clothing. She considers fashion as an art form, rejecting the conventional notions of beauty to create garments that provoke, challenge, and stimulate. Comme des Garçons designs often defy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary influences, resulting in a distinct and unmistakable signature style.
3. Iconic Fragrances
In addition to their avant-garde clothing line, Comme des Garçons is also renowned for their trailblazing fragrances. The brand’s perfumes, such as the iconic “Play” and “Wonderwood,” have gained a cult-like following for their daring and unconventional aromas. Comme des Garçons fragrances often challenge traditional scent profiles, pushing the boundaries of what is considered pleasant and familiar.
4. Collaborations Galore
Comme des Garçons is no stranger to collaborations with other designers, artists, and even brands from various sectors. They have worked with an impressive range of creative minds, including Nike, Converse, Supreme, and many more. These collaborations not only extend the brand’s influence beyond fashion but also result in unique and highly sought-after limited-edition pieces that collectors and fashion enthusiasts cherish.
5. The Dover Street Market
The Dover Street Market, founded by Rei Kawakubo and her partner Adrian Joffe, is a retail concept that has become an icon in itself. With locations in major cities worldwide, including London, Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles, it serves as a platform for showcasing Comme des Garçons’ designs alongside other avant-garde and emerging designers. The Dover Street Market embodies the brand’s ethos of creating a unique and immersive shopping experience.
6. Raw Edges and Deconstructed Designs
Expect the unexpected when it comes to Comme des Garçons’ designs. Known for their raw edges, deconstructed and unfinished details, and unconventional use of materials, the brand challenges traditional notions of garment construction. Their creations often feature unexpected shapes, layers, and proportions, creating visually striking and thought-provoking pieces that blur the lines between fashion and art.
7. Comme des Garçons Homme
In addition to their main line, Comme des Garçons has a dedicated menswear branch called “Comme des Garçons Homme.” Under this line, the brand explores innovative and boundary-pushing designs specifically tailored for the modern man. Comme des Garçons Homme consistently surprises with unexpected cuts, bold prints, and unconventional fabric choices, redefining men’s fashion norms in the process.
8. Not Just Clothing
While Comme des Garçons is primarily known for its clothing, the brand’s reach extends far beyond the realms of fashion. They have collaborated with furniture designers, created installations at art exhibitions, and even ventured into costume design for theater and film. This multidisciplinary approach underscores Comme des Garçons’ commitment to artistic expression in various forms.
9. Flagship Stores and Exhibitions
Comme des Garçons is not only known for its avant-garde designs but also for its visually stunning stores and thought-provoking exhibitions. Their flagship stores, such as the awe-inspiring “Ginza” store in Tokyo and the boundary-pushing “Dover Street Market” in London, are architectural marvels that perfectly embody the brand’s aesthetics. Furthermore, the brand regularly collaborates with art institutions and curates exhibitions that showcase its boundary-pushing designs as works of art.
10. Fashion Legacy
With over five decades of groundbreaking designs and collaborations, Comme des Garçons has undoubtedly made an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Their avant-garde creations continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts alike, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fashion. The brand’s enduring legacy lies not only in its impressive body of work but also in its unwavering commitment to artistic expression and innovation.
