What Is Comme des Garçons?
Comme des Garçons is a famous fashion brand from Japan. It means “like boys” in French. The brand makes clothes that are different and exciting. It started in 1969. Rei Kawakubo is the designer behind it all. She makes clothes that challenge old ideas. Many people love it for being bold and new. The brand has lines for women, men, and even kids. It sells clothes, shoes, bags, and perfumes. Comme des Garçons is known around the world today.
Who Is Rei Kawakubo?
Rei Kawakubo was born in Tokyo in 1942. She studied art and literature in school. She did not go to fashion school. She learned by herself. After college, she worked with fabrics. Then she started her own company. Rei is shy and does not talk much to the media. She lets her clothes speak. She married Adrian Joffe, who helps run the business. Rei is one of the most important designers ever. She pushes fashion to be more creative.
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The Early Days of the Brand
In 1969, Rei started Comme des Garçons in Tokyo. At first, it was just women’s clothes. She opened a store in 1975. By 1978, she added men’s clothes. The brand grew fast in Japan. It had many shops there. Rei used black colors a lot. Clothes were big and loose. They had holes or uneven edges on purpose. This was new and shocking. People called it “anti-fashion.” But young people loved it. It made them feel free.
First Show in Paris
In 1981, Rei showed her clothes in Paris. It was a big moment. Paris is the home of fashion. Her collection was all black and torn-looking. Critics did not like it at first. They called it bad names. But it changed fashion forever. Soon, others copied the style. Rei opened a store in Paris in 1982. Comme des Garçons became famous worldwide. It mixed Japanese ideas with new designs.
Famous Collections
One big collection was in 1997. It had lumps and bumps on dresses. It was called “Body Meets Dress.” People talked a lot about it. It changed how we see beauty. Another was all black in the 1980s. Rei loves to try new things each season. Some collections look like art, not clothes. She uses bright colors sometimes too. Her shows are like plays or dreams.
The PLAY Line
Comme des Garçons PLAY is fun and easy to wear. It started in 2002. It has a red heart with eyes as the logo. The heart was made by an artist named Filip Pagowski. PLAY has T-shirts, hoodies, and shoes. Many people wear them every day. It is cheaper than the main line. Kids can wear PLAY too. It works with Converse for cool sneakers. PLAY makes the brand popular with everyone.
Dover Street Market
In 2004, Rei and Adrian opened Dover Street Market in London. It is not a normal store. It is like an art space. Many brands sell there. The inside looks wild and fun. There are stores in New York, Tokyo, and more. People go there to see new things. It mixes fashion with art. Dover Street Market helps young designers too. It is a special place for fashion lovers.
Other Lines and Perfumes
Comme des Garçons has many lines. There is Homme for men. Noir Kei Ninomiya is another. PLAY is the most known. They make perfumes too since 1994. The smells are unique and strange. Some are like tar or garage. People love them for being ifferent. The brand also makes bags and jewelry.
Impact on Fashion World
Rei changed fashion a lot. She made black cool again. Big shapes and asymmetry are normal now. Many designers say she inspired them. Comme des Garçons mixes high fashion with street style. It questions what beauty is. Young people wear it to show their own style. The brand is still strong today.
Recent Collections in 2025
In 2025, Comme des Garçons shows are still amazing. Fall 2025 had big shapes and colors. It felt like hope and fun. Spring 2025 was abstract and light. Rei talks about the world in her clothes. She is angry at war sometimes. Her designs make us think. Fans wait for each new show.
Why People Love It
Comme des Garçons is for people who want to stand out. The clothes make you feel strong and free. Even simple PLAY items are special. The brand is honest and creative. It does not follow trends. It makes trends. From kids to adults, many wear it.
Awards and Shows
In 2017, the Met Museum had a big show for Rei. It was only the second for a living designer. It showed 150 pieces. People loved it. Rei got many awards. Harvard gave her one for design. She is a true icon.
Fun Facts About the Brand
The name comes from a French song. Rei never studied fashion. She started pop-up shops first. The heart logo has eyes that look happy. Dover Street Market moves things around often.
How to Get Comme des Garçons
You can buy at Dover Street Market. Or online at good stores. PLAY is easy to find. Look for the real logo to avoid fakes.
Conclusion
Comme des Garçons is more than clothes. It is art you can wear. Rei Kawakubo made fashion exciting and new. The brand will keep inspiring us.
Start your fashion adventure today! Visit Dover Street Market or shop Comme des Garçons PLAY online. Find your unique style now.
