Comme des Garçons History Rei Kawakubo’s Vision & Collaborations

Comme des Garçons (French for “Like the Boys”) is not merely a fashion brand—it’s a manifesto of rebellion, artistry, and innovation. Founded in Tokyo by the enigmatic Rei Kawakubo, CDG has spent over five decades dismantling traditional fashion norms, pioneering avant-garde design, and inspiring a global cult following. At Comme des Garcons, we curate authentic Comme des Garçons pieces that embody Kawakubo’s radical vision, from deconstructed tailoring to iconic streetwear collaborations.

 

The Birth of Comme des Garçons – A Revolutionary Beginning

Rei Kawakubo, a self-taught designer with no formal fashion training, launched Comme des Garçons in Tokyo, 1969. Frustrated by the lack of originality in women’s clothing, she began creating androgynous, asymmetrical designs that rejected gendered silhouettes and overt femininity.

Key Milestones in CDG’s History

• 1973: Opened her first boutique in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, introducing monochromatic, raw-edged designs that prioritized concept over conformity.
• 1981: Debuted in Paris with the “Hiroshima Chic” collection, shocking critics with tattered fabrics, oversized shapes, and a dystopian black-and-white palette. The show was dubbed “post-atomic fashion” and marked CDG’s arrival as a global avant-garde force.
• 1987: Expanded into menswear with Comme des Garcons Homme, challenging traditional masculinity with fluid tailoring and poetic draping.
• 1992: Launched Comme des Garçons Parfums, introducing unisex fragrances like Odeur 53—a scent blending metallic and mineral notes—that defied traditional perfume conventions.
• 2002: Debuted Comme des Garçons Play, the casual sub-label featuring artist Filip Pagowski’s now-iconic heart logo with eyes, bridging high fashion and streetwear.
• 2017: Rei Kawakubo became the second living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute (Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between), cementing her legacy as a cultural icon.

 

Rei Kawakubo – The Enigmatic Visionary

Rei Kawakubo (b. 1942) is fashion’s ultimate disruptor. With no formal training, she redefined luxury through her uncompromising commitment to “anti-fashion”—a philosophy that prioritizes conceptual artistry over trends.

Kawakubo’s Design Philosophy

• Deconstruction: Raw seams, asymmetrical cuts, and “unfinished” aesthetics challenge perfection.
• Gender Fluidity: CDG’s clothing transcends binary norms, offering pieces that anyone can wear.
• Emotional Expression: Kawakubo’s collections often explore themes like absence, in-betweenness, and destruction. Her 2012 “Broken Bride” collection featured shattered ceramic dresses, symbolizing fractured beauty.
• Silence as Power: Kawakubo rarely gives interviews or explains her work, stating, “I don’t have a message. I just want to make something new.”

Cultural Impact

• Fashion as Art: Collaborations with artists like Cindy Sherman and Meret Oppenheim blur the lines between fashion and fine art.
• Muse of the Avant-Garde: Worn by boundary-pushing figures like Lady Gaga, Tilda Swinton, and Kanye West.
• Industry Recognition: Winner of the CFDA International Award (2012) and named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people (2017).

 

Comme des Garçons’ Most Iconic Collaborations

CDG’s partnerships merge high fashion, streetwear, and pop culture, creating collectible pieces that redefine collaboration.

1. Comme des Garçons x Nike (2004–Present)

• Play Converse Chuck Taylor 70 (2009–2024): The heart-eyed sneaker became a streetwear staple, selling out within minutes of each drop.
• Nike Air Foamposite One (2004): A futuristic sneaker with CDG’s minimalist touch, featuring metallic accents and monochromatic styling.
• Nike Dunk High (2023): A gender-neutral design with deconstructed leather and exposed stitching.

2. Comme des Garçons x Supreme (2012–2018)

• Box Logo Hoodies: Limited-edition hoodies blending Supreme’s streetwear edge with CDG’s avant-garde graphics.
• Accessories: Collaborative beanies, skateboards, and duffle bags featuring CDG’s heart logo.

3. Comme des Garçons x Louis Vuitton (2008)

• A landmark luxury partnership, reimagining LV’s monogram with CDG’s punk-inspired deconstruction. The collection included patchwork bags and trench coats with LV logos torn and re-stitched.

4. Comme des Garçons x H&M (2008)

• Brought avant-garde design to the masses with affordable trench coats, polka-dot dresses, and tailored blazers. The collab sold out globally in hours.

5. Comme des Garçons x Gucci (2022)

• A clash of aesthetics: CDG’s minimalism met Gucci’s maximalism in a collection featuring logo mashups, gender-fluid tailoring, and trompe l’oeil prints.

6. Comme des Garçons x Moncler (2023)

• A fusion of CDG’s avant-garde silhouettes with Moncler’s technical outerwear, featuring puffer jackets with asymmetric zippers and raw hems.

 

The Comme des Garçons Universe – Sub-Labels & Innovations

CDG operates as a constellation of sub-labels, each catering to distinct aesthetics while adhering to Kawakubo’s radical vision:

1. Comme des Garçons Homme

• Androgynous menswear with sharp tailoring, oversized proportions, and poetic draping.

2. Comme des Garçons SHIRT

• Bold graphic prints and statement shirts inspired by pop art and surrealism.

3. Comme des Garçons Noir

• Monochromatic staples for minimalist wardrobes, focusing on black, white, and gray.

4. Comme des Garçons Black

• A sub-label dedicated to all-black garments, emphasizing texture and silhouette.

5. Comme des Garçons Parfums

• Unisex fragrances like Wonderwood (earthy cedar), Concrete (urban mineral notes), and Series 3 Incense: Zagorsk (smoky frankincense).

 

Comme des Garçons’ Cultural Legacy

• Celebrity Endorsements: Rihanna, Billie Eilish, and Frank Ocean have all worn CDG to red carpets and music videos.
• Streetwear Revolution: The Play line democratized avant-garde fashion, making CDG accessible to younger audiences.
• Fashion Education: CDG’s designs are studied in fashion schools worldwide as a masterclass in deconstruction and conceptual storytelling.

 

Sustainability & Ethical Practices

While not explicitly marketed as sustainable, CDG embodies slow fashion principles:

• Craftsmanship: Pieces are made to last, with meticulous attention to detail in Japanese and European workshops.
• Deadstock Fabrics: Some collections repurpose unused materials to reduce waste.
• Timeless Design: CDG’s anti-trend ethos encourages longevity over seasonal consumption.

 

How to Style Comme des Garçons – A Guide

1. Mix High and Low: Pair a CDG Play heart-logo tee with tailored trousers and chunky boots.
2. Embrace Layering: Throw an oversized CDG deconstructed blazer over a slip dress.
3. Genderless Dressing: Experiment with CDG’s fluid tailoring, like a unisex suit with asymmetric hems.
4. Accessorize Boldly: Add a CDG geometric tote or resin ring to elevate minimalist outfits.

 

Authenticating Comme des Garçons – A Buyer’s Guide

With CDG’s popularity comes counterfeits. Authentic pieces feature:

• Stitching: Impeccable, even seams with no loose threads.
• Tags: Holographic labels with crisp “Comme des Garçons” branding.
• Materials: High-quality fabrics like Japanese cotton, Italian wool, or technical blends.
• Packaging: Original dust bags, tissue paper, and authenticity cards.

Note: All items at Comme des Garcons undergo rigorous authentication checks.