Starting Small in Tokyo

Comme des Garçons was founded in Tokyo in 1969 by designer Rei Kawakubo.
At that time, Japanese fashion was still following more traditional and Western-influenced ideas.
Kawakubo had no formal fashion training but studied art and literature, which shaped her creativity.
She started by designing clothes for magazines before launching her own independent clothing line.
Her early designs were dark, oversized, and very different from what was popular at the time.
People either loved or hated them because they didn’t look like ordinary fashion at all.
By 1973, she officially registered the brand Comme des Garçons and opened a Tokyo boutique.
It quickly became known for bold fashion statements and an unusual approach to beauty and clothing.

Rei Kawakubo’s Bold Mindset

Rei Kawakubo believes fashion is more than just looking good—it’s about personal expression.
She never tried to fit into trends and preferred to break the rules of design.
Her clothing often looks rough, with frayed edges, uneven cuts, or bulky and strange shapes.
She creates with emotion, making pieces that express feelings like anger, loneliness, or power.
Many people did not understand her work at first, thinking it looked unfinished or wrong.
But she kept creating with courage, https://commesdegarcons.com/  always following her unique artistic vision and inner voice.
Her goal was never to impress but to challenge people’s ideas about what fashion could be.
This brave approach helped her become one of the most respected designers in the fashion world.

Changing Fashion in Paris

In 1981, Comme des Garçons made its debut in Paris during Fashion Week.
The collection was full of black clothing, torn fabrics, and asymmetrical or shapeless designs.
It shocked the audience because it was so different from the elegant styles they expected.
Many critics disliked it, calling the clothes “Hiroshima chic” due to their dark and broken look.
But this controversy only made Kawakubo and her brand more famous around the world.
People realized she was starting something new, something more artistic and emotional than before.
Her work helped open the door for Japanese designers to enter the Western fashion scene.
This Paris show was a major turning point in the rise of Comme des Garçons globally.

A New Way of Dressing

Comme des Garçons is not just about clothes—it’s about new ideas and fresh perspectives.
The brand introduced concepts like genderless clothing, oversized fits, and experimental silhouettes.
These ideas were not common when Kawakubo began, but they are now widely seen today.
She believed people should wear what feels right to them, not what society tells them.
Her clothing allows freedom, comfort, and identity for people who don’t want to follow rules.
It helped many express themselves without being limited by traditional fashion or beauty standards.
This approach created a loyal following, especially among creative and open-minded individuals worldwide.
The brand inspired others to experiment and helped redefine how we see fashion and clothing today.

Expanding into Global Culture

Comme des Garçons went from a small Tokyo shop to a global fashion force.
The brand opened stores in major cities like Paris, London, New York, and Hong Kong.
Its stores are designed as artistic spaces, not just regular places to shop for clothing.
The most famous example is Dover Street Market, a creative retail space mixing fashion and art.
This concept store carries Comme des Garçons along with other high-end and emerging designers.
The idea behind the store is to break down barriers between art, fashion, and commerce.
People visit not only to shop but also to experience the design and atmosphere of the space.
This helped the brand connect with younger generations and remain fresh in a changing world.

Collaborations and Cultural Impact

Comme des Garçons is known for bold collaborations with major global brands and artists.
It has teamed up with Nike, Converse, Supreme, Levi’s, and even Disney for special collections.
These collaborations mix street style with high fashion, making CDG accessible to wider audiences.
The brand also launched its Play line, which includes casual clothes and the iconic heart logo.
That heart with eyes became a symbol of fashion that’s fun, modern, and easy to wear.
While main collections are artistic and deep, the Play line speaks to a broader public.
It shows the brand’s ability to stay relevant while staying true to its creative roots.
These efforts helped Comme des Garçons gain more cultural value and reach global fashion lovers.

Lasting Legacy in Fashion

Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons have changed fashion in ways that still shape today’s industry.
She proved that fashion can be a tool to express deep feelings and bold ideas.
Her influence can be seen in many designers who now break rules and challenge beauty standards.
Kawakubo also gave rise to talents like Junya Watanabe and Kei Ninomiya under her creative wing.
Her legacy goes beyond the runway—it’s found in art, design, and even museum exhibitions.
In 2017, The Met honored her with a solo exhibit, a rare award for living designers.
This recognition confirmed her place as one of fashion’s greatest visionaries and rule-breakers.
Comme des Garçons continues to inspire people who want fashion to mean more than just trends.