When it comes to high fashion that challenges conventions, few names stand out as much as Comme des Garçons. This iconic brand, created by the visionary Rei Kawakubo, has revolutionized the world of fashion with its unique and avant-garde approach. From its humble beginnings in Japan to its global influence, Comme des Garçons (which translates to “like boys”) has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the origin of Comme des Garçons, exploring its creator, its rise to fame, and the elements that make it truly unique.
What Does “Comme des Garçons” Mean?
The name Comme des Garçons is French and translates to “like boys.” This title encapsulates the brand’s ethos of challenging traditional gender norms and questioning the societal expectations surrounding fashion. Rei Kawakubo, the brand’s founder, chose this name to reflect her belief in breaking boundaries and redefining aesthetics.
In the 1970s, the fashion industry was largely dominated by designs that emphasized femininity, often with glamorous and figure-hugging silhouettes. Comme des Garçons disrupted this narrative by introducing gender-neutral designs, oversized silhouettes, and monochromatic tones that blurred the lines between men’s and women’s clothing. The name, “like boys,” symbolizes this rebellious and thought-provoking philosophy, which has remained at the heart of the brand for decades.
When Did Comme des Garçons Start?
Comme des Garçons began in 1969 in Tokyo, Japan. Initially, Rei Kawakubo started the brand as a small business creating and selling women’s clothing. Her early designs stood out for their unconventionality and rejection of the mainstream. By 1973, the brand was officially established as a company, and Kawakubo opened her first store in Tokyo.
The brand started gaining attention for its bold and experimental approach to design, which was drastically different from the traditional fashion of the time. Comme des Garçons grew steadily in Japan throughout the 1970s, and by the early 1980s, Kawakubo decided to take the brand to an international audience.
Who Created Comme des Garçons?
The mastermind behind Comme des Garçons is Rei Kawakubo, a self-taught designer who changed the fashion industry forever. Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1942, Kawakubo studied art and literature at Keio University. After graduation, she began working for a textile company, where she gained insight into fabric design and production. However, her creative vision soon led her to establish her own label.
Unlike many designers who come from traditional fashion training, Kawakubo’s lack of formal education in fashion gave her a fresh perspective. She wasn’t bound by the rules of design and instead created her own path, focusing on expressing emotions, ideas, and philosophies through clothing.
Why Is Rei Kawakubo So Famous?
Rei Kawakubo is famous because she redefined what fashion could be. She challenged the industry by designing clothing that wasn’t meant to make people “look pretty” but instead evoke emotion, provoke thought, and question beauty standards. Her work often featured deconstruction, asymmetry, and a raw, unfinished aesthetic.
Kawakubo also gained fame for her ability to shock and inspire. When Comme des Garçons made its Paris Fashion Week debut in 1981, the collection—titled “Destroy”—challenged the norms of the industry with its predominantly black clothing, distressed fabrics, and oversized, unconventional shapes. Critics were divided, with some calling it revolutionary and others deeming it unwearable. Despite the initial controversy, Kawakubo’s designs sparked a movement that continues to influence fashion today.
What Makes Her Designs Unique?
Kawakubo’s designs are unique because they are conceptual, intellectual, and thought-provoking. She often uses clothing as a medium to express ideas about gender, identity, and the human experience. Her collections are not always easy to understand or wear, but they are always innovative. For example, she has created pieces that distort the human silhouette, using exaggerated proportions and unexpected shapes.
Kawakubo is also known for embracing imperfections. Many of her garments appear “unfinished” or “destroyed,” a design philosophy that celebrates rawness and imperfection. This contrasts with the polished, glamorous aesthetic of traditional high fashion.
Did You Know This About Rei Kawakubo?
One interesting fact about Rei Kawakubo is that she is notoriously private. Despite her global fame, she rarely gives interviews and prefers to let her work speak for itself. She also maintains strict control over the Comme des Garçons brand, overseeing everything from clothing design to store interiors.
Another fascinating detail is that she has been married to Adrian Joffe, the president of Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market, for decades. Together, they have built an empire that has changed not only fashion but also retail.
How Did Comme des Garçons Become Popular?
Comme des Garçons became popular by disrupting the norms of the fashion industry. Its Paris debut in 1981 catapulted the brand into international fame. Although the collection was controversial, it resonated with people who were looking for something different from the glamour and extravagance of the 1980s.
Over time, the brand developed a cult following, particularly among those who appreciate avant-garde fashion. Collaborations with high-profile brands like Nike, Converse, and Supreme further increased its popularity, making Comme des Garçons accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, the launch of Dover Street Market, a multi-brand retail store concept developed by Kawakubo and Joffe, helped solidify Comme des Garçons’ influence in both fashion and retail.
What Are Comme des Garçons’ Signature Styles?
Comme des Garçons is known for its avant-garde aesthetic, which includes:
- Monochromatic Palettes: Black is a dominant color in many collections, symbolizing both rebellion and sophistication.
- Deconstruction: Many designs feature torn fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, and unfinished hems, creating a raw and edgy look.
- Oversized Silhouettes: Kawakubo often plays with proportions, creating clothing that challenges traditional ideas of fit and form.
- Layering: Her collections often include complex layering, adding depth and texture to the designs.
These signature elements have made Comme des Garçons one of the most recognizable brands in the fashion world.
Do They Only Make Clothes?
No, Comme des Garçons is not limited to clothing. The brand has expanded into various other areas, including perfumes, accessories, and retail.
What About Their Perfumes?
Comme des Garçons is famous for its unique and unconventional perfumes. The brand launched its first fragrance, Comme des Garçons Parfum, in 1994. Since then, it has released several iconic scents, including Wonderwood, Odeur 53, and Concrete. These perfumes often feature unexpected combinations of ingredients, such as burnt rubber, industrial smells, and natural essences, creating a sensory experience that is as avant-garde as the brand’s clothing.
Where Can You Find Their Stores?
Comme des Garçons has flagship stores in major cities like Tokyo, Paris, London, and New York. Additionally, the brand’s Dover Street Market locations serve as multi-brand concept stores, offering not only Comme des Garçons collections but also curated selections from other designers. These stores are known for their innovative layouts, blending art and retail.
Is Comme des Garçons Still Popular Today?
Yes, Comme des Garçons remains incredibly popular today. The brand’s influence extends beyond fashion, impacting art, design, and retail. It continues to collaborate with major brands and designers, ensuring its relevance in the ever-changing fashion landscape.
What Makes Comme des Garçons Different?
What sets Comme des Garçons apart is its fearless approach to design. Unlike many brands that prioritize commercial appeal, Comme des Garçons focuses on creativity and innovation. Rei Kawakubo’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries has made the brand a leader in avant-garde fashion.
The Bottom Line
Comme des Garçons is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a movement that challenges conventions and inspires creativity. From its humble beginnings in Tokyo to its global influence today, the story of Comme des Garçons is one of innovation, rebellion, and artistic expression. Whether through its groundbreaking clothing, unique perfumes, or revolutionary retail concepts, Comme des Garçons continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.
