Comme des Garçons began in Tokyo in 1969, founded by designer Rei Kawakubo. She had no formal training in fashion but possessed a strong creative vision. Her goal was to create clothing that broke traditional rules and expressed individuality. During that time, Japanese fashion mostly followed Western styles and trends. Kawakubo wanted to design clothes that represented strength and freedom for both men and women. She started by designing clothes for her friends, gaining attention for her unique approach. Her early designs were simple yet bold, showing that fashion could be both artistic and powerful.

Rei Kawakubo’s Unique Philosophy

Rei Kawakubo’s philosophy was different from most designers of her time. She believed that fashion https://commedesgarconsstore.com/cdg/  should challenge beauty standards instead of following them. Her designs often focused on shapes, layers, and textures rather than bright colors or decorations. She liked using black, gray, and white to create a mysterious and thoughtful feeling. Her clothes did not aim to make people look beautiful in a traditional way. Instead, she wanted to make people think about what beauty truly means. Through her work, she turned fashion into a form of communication and deep self-expression.

Building the Comme des Garçons Brand

In 1973, Rei Kawakubo officially registered Comme des Garçons as a fashion brand in Japan. The name means “like boys” in French, showing her interest in challenging gender roles in clothing. The brand’s early collections included unstructured jackets, oversized shapes, and uneven cuts. These designs rejected the idea that clothes had to fit the body perfectly. Her approach confused some people at first, but it also fascinated many others. The brand soon became popular among young people who wanted something new and different. Kawakubo’s vision started to grow beyond Japan, reaching the attention of global fashion lovers.

Expanding Beyond Japanese Borders

During the 1980s, Comme des Garçons made a strong impact in Paris. Rei Kawakubo held her first Paris fashion show in 1981, which surprised the audience. Her collection featured mostly black outfits with holes, unfinished edges, and uneven patterns. Many critics did not understand her designs at first and called them “anti-fashion.” However, her bold ideas soon changed the way people looked at clothing. The Paris debut helped the brand gain international recognition and respect. It marked the beginning of a new era where creativity mattered more than traditional beauty. This success opened doors for many other Japanese designers to enter the global stage.

The Rise of Avant Garde Style

Comme des Garçons became known for its avant garde style that mixed art and clothing. The brand encouraged people to express themselves freely through what they wore. Rei Kawakubo’s designs often looked like sculptures rather than normal clothes. Each collection told a story and invited people to see fashion in a new way. Her bold use of shapes and fabrics changed the idea of what clothing could be. Many designers around the world began to follow her creative path. Over time, Comme des Garçons became a symbol of innovation and fearless creativity in the fashion industry.

Collaborations and New Creations

In the 1990s and 2000s, Comme des Garçons expanded through collaborations with other brands. They worked with Nike, Converse, and Supreme, creating pieces that mixed luxury with streetwear. These partnerships helped the brand reach younger audiences who loved unique fashion. The brand also launched new lines like Comme des Garçons Play, known for its heart logo with eyes. This playful design became extremely popular worldwide and easy to recognize. Each collaboration showed that the brand could stay modern while keeping its artistic spirit. Through this balance, Comme des Garçons remained both classic and trendsetting at the same time.

The Lasting Legacy of Comme des Garçons

Today, Comme des Garçons stands as one of the most respected names in fashion. Rei Kawakubo has built a legacy based on creativity, courage, and breaking boundaries. Her designs continue to inspire designers, artists, and fashion fans everywhere. The brand’s stores, especially Dover Street Market, reflect her artistic vision in both fashion and space design. Even after decades, Comme des Garçons remains fresh, bold, and ahead of its time. It proves that true fashion is not just about trends but about ideas and expression. The story of its beginning shows how one person’s vision can change the entire fashion world.