A Japanese designer who questions the norms of classic fashion.
Rei Kawakubo is the name behind the brand Comme des Garçons. She decided to launch her collection of clothing and accessories in 1969. Six years later, the label organised its first fashion show and opened its first store in Tokyo. Comme des Garçons was nothing like other fashion brands in that it called into question the western criteria that was so central to fashion up until that point. Here, we see a new vision of beauty, the body and clothing in the designs. The designer distances herself from trends in fashion and creates her own, off-kilter, style.
Designs beyond the scope of trendy fashion.
Through its clothes and accessories, the label plays the originality card and stands out from its rivals. In fact, the style which is sometimes graphic, at others off-kilter or asymmetrical, the avant garde hats, scarves, and leather goods are attention-seeking and arouse the curiosity and fascination of the fashion-buying public. Black is omnipresent, but we also find ripped materials and fabric with holes in, seen especially in the clothing. The designs are unique in the world of fashion to the extent of inspiring the greatest contemporary designers such as John Galliano and Marc Jacobs.
An unconventional brand, with an unconventional way of communicating.
The communications strategy adopted by the brand Comme des Garçons reflects its DNA. When the first space devoted to the brand opened in the USA in 1983, the label dismissed all ideas of creating a visual identity of any nature for its store. There are no products in the window and very few inside any of the boutiques. The shop in Paris is more reminiscent of a contemporary art exhibition than a place devoted to selling fashion. Customers must follow a path around a veritable maze to reach the sales area. Comme des Garçons is inviting its customers to experience a new way of consuming.
Vestiaire Collective carries a wide variety of designer clothes, accessories and bags for its customers to choose from. For a maximum dose of originality, we recommend the following designs created by Comme des Garçons: