Yohji Yamamoto
Yohji Yamamoto
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Rei Kawakubo
Comme des Garçons
From Tokyo, Japan
Explore the avant-garde vision of Rei Kawakubo, the creative force behind Comme des Garçons. Known for redefining fashion with deconstruction, innovation, and radical designs that challenge conventions.
Born in: 1942-10-11
Known for: Kawakubo revolutionized fashion by rejecting norms, inspiring generations of designers, and redefining what constitutes 'wearable art.'
Early Life
Born in Tokyo, Kawakubo studied fine arts and literature at Keio University before venturing into fashion, despite having no formal training in design.
Breakthrough Moment
The 1981 debut of Comme des Garçons in Paris introduced her radical, deconstructed aesthetic to the global stage, challenging traditional notions of beauty and form.
Signature Style
Avant-garde designs characterized by asymmetry, deconstruction, monochromatic palettes, and unconventional silhouettes.
Timeline
Founding of Comme des Garçons
1969-01-01
Kawakubo established Comme des Garçons in Tokyo, initially producing unisex, minimalist garments.
Paris Fashion Week Debut
1981-10-01
Her first Paris show shocked audiences with its dark, deconstructed, and unconventional aesthetic.
Launch of Dover Street Market
2004-01-01
Kawakubo opened Dover Street Market, an innovative retail space blending high fashion and streetwear.
Major Contributions
- Popularizing deconstruction and 'anti-fashion.'
- Reinventing the runway with conceptual and theatrical presentations.
- Establishing Dover Street Market, a groundbreaking retail concept.
Brand Evolution
Founded in 1969, Comme des Garçons has grown into a global empire, celebrated for its boundary-pushing designs, numerous sub-labels, and collaborative projects.
Personal Life
A fiercely private figure, Kawakubo is known for letting her work speak for itself, rarely giving interviews or revealing personal details.
Cultural Impact
Her work has been celebrated in major exhibitions, such as the 2017 Met Gala, solidifying her status as one of the most influential designers in history.
Quotes
- "For something to be beautiful, it doesn’t have to be pretty." ~ Rei Kawakubo
- "My clothes are not about being worn for one season—they are meant to be kept and treasured." ~ Rei Kawakubo
Trivia
- Despite being a designer, she does not sketch her designs but communicates ideas directly to her team.
- The name 'Comme des Garçons' translates to 'Like Boys' in French, reflecting her early focus on unisex clothing.
Key Collections
Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body
A provocative collection featuring padded garments that distorted traditional silhouettes and challenged perceptions of the human form.
The Future of Silhouette
A conceptual exploration of exaggerated forms and sculptural designs that blurred the line between fashion and art.
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1946
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