Comme des Garcons is widely consider at the vanguard of the new world of intense-fashion-collaborations. Although the brand has a strong collaborative tradition it would be a tradegy to deny Comme des Garcons’ incredible contribution to fashion within its own right.

Fashion Designer Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garcons, was born in Tokyo in 1942. Being untrained as a fashion designer, but having studied fine arts and literature, she conveys her ideas verbally to her patternmakers. After graduation Kawakubo worked in a textile company and began working as a freelance stylist in 1967.

In 1973, she established her own company, Comme des Garcons Co., Ltd in Tokyo. Starting out with women’s clothes, Kawakubo added a men’s line in 1978. Two years later, she moved to Paris and presents her fashion lines there each season. At the same time she opened up her first boutique in Paris.

Following her breakthrough in Paris, Comme des Garcons clothing was often subject of exhibitions around the world.

Comme des Garcons specializes in anti-fashion, austere, sometimes deconstructed garments, sometimes lacking a sleeve or other component. Her garments are primarily in black, dark gray, and white, often worn with combat boots.

Her designs have inspired many new designers like e.g.the Belgian Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester, as well as Austrian designer Helmut Lang. The newest offspring of Kawakubo’s fashion think tank is former apprentice Junya Watanabe, who has recently attained much attention in the fashion business.