Established in 1969 by Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons (French for “Like Boys”) has graduated from a cult Japanese fashion label to an international phenomenon. The label is known for its avant-garde aesthetics and unconventional perspective on design, and has always pushed the limits of the fashion world. Let’s dive into the reasons why celebs and fashion people love this innovative brand.
The Birth of Comme des Garçons (1969–1973)
The other was Rei Kawakubo, a Tokyo-born designer trained in fine arts and literature who founded Comme des Garçons in 1969. Kawakubo had no formal fashion training and felt her way, instinctually, to creations that pushed against traditional notions of beauty. She officially started the brand as a company in 1973, heralding a new way of dressing in Japan.
Why Celebrities Love Comme des Garçons
Comme des Garçons is a favorite among A-list celebrities and style makers, known for its avant-garde and fashion-forward silhouettes. “Because of the brand’s unique aesthetic, they can be statement-making on or off the red carpet.
Red Carpet Moments
Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Björk have all donned the Japanese label for major occasions, wearing the kind of sculptural, avant-garde silhouettes it is known for.
At the 2017 Met Gala, with the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” many celebrities honored the brand’s legacy.
Streetwear & Casual Style
Kanye West, Travis Scott and Pharrell Williams are avid wearers of Comme des Garçons Play, the logo’d casual line from the brand, a heart on a shirt.
Its collaborations with Nike and Converse have positioned its footwear as high-status sneakerheads must-haves.
Why Fashionistas Adore Comme des Garçons
Fashion types have long praised Comme des Garçons for its fearless experimentation, strictly good craftsmanship and ability to challenge, well, fashion.
New and Experimental Designs
What you are known for: Comme des Garçons
Deconstructed tailoring
Asymmetrical silhouettes
The result is layered, and often paired with unusual materials, which explains its attraction for fashionista — those for whom art prevails over fashion.
Certain prints create a sense of scarcity in an oversaturated environment.
Comme des Garçons often produces limited-edition collections and high-profile collaborations, resulting in high demand for its pieces.
The brand’s boutiques, found in Dover Street Market stores, carry exclusive collections and have attracted fashion lovers across continents.
Notable Collaborations That Boosted Popularity
Extensive history of partnerships with brands.
Key Collaborations:
Ben & Jerrys; Comme Des Garcons x Louis Vuitton (2008) – LUXE GETS TASTY
Comme des Garçons x Nike Air Force 1 (2017) — A winner with sneakerheads.
Comme des Garçons x Supreme – A hype streetwear collaboration that is still very much praised.
The Legacy of Rei Kawakubo
Now Rei Kawakubo is still an relevent name in the fashion world, being admired for her avant-garde designs and riotious spirits. In 2017, she was just the second living designer to be honored with a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute — a tribute to the deep imprint her work has left on contemporary style.
Conclusion
For more than five decades, Comme des Garçons has flouted convention, cementing its status as a darling of celebrities and fashionistas. From its daring runway collections to its sought-after streetwear collaborations, the brand continues to innovate, reimagine and subvert the conventions of fashion.
FAQs
What is it about Comme des Garçons that celebrities love? Celebrities love the brand’s colorful, unapologetic designs that enable them to make a statement on red carpets and in everyday life.
Which Comme des Garçons collaboration is the most infamous? The brand’s collaborations with Nike, Louis Vuitton and Supreme are some of the most iconic and highly coveted.
What makes Comme des Garçons so expensive? With expensive materials, unique techniques, and low production runs, the brand offers a rare and expensive product.
What distinguishes Comme des Garçons from other fashion brands? Its ushering of an avant-garde approach, flare for deconstruction, and capacity for questioning conventional fashion norms distanced it from the mainstream labels.
Where to buy Comme des Garçons? Comme des Garçons is sold at flagship stores, Dover Street Market locations, luxury retailers and select online sites.
