Continuing to influence the world through its unique evolution.
1969 | TOKYO, JAPAN | Rei Kawakubo
Founded in 1969 by Rei Kawakubo, who worked as a stylist, the brand bears the name "COMME des GARCONS," meaning "like a boy."
In 1982, the women's line of COMME des GARCONS presented an all-black look at Paris Fashion Week, a departure from the then-prevailing use of vibrant colors, featuring ripped knitwear dubbed the "ragged look," which garnered a sensational buzz and a mix of praise and criticism.
Since then, and up to the present day, her collections have consistently generated buzz in the fashion world with clothing that rejects established gender norms and other rebellious concepts, such as dresses with bumps.
However, on the other hand, there are nearly 10 different lines just for men, and the number of lines increases and decreases with the times, so unless you're a dedicated fan, it can be difficult to grasp the full scope of the brand.
Let's unravel its nearly 50-year history by explaining the trends in each of its men's lines.
COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS
Debuting in Paris in 1984, COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS is the most fashionable line, bearing the name "PLUS," which signifies the highest level of sophistication. Based on jackets and suits, which are symbols of men's fashion, it sometimes incorporates bold silhouettes and processing, as well as details and items not typically used in men's fashion, such as frills and skirts. Furthermore, it uses materials such as wool that have been felted to create a unique texture, making it a line that best showcases the brand's individuality.
In contrast to COMME des GARCONS HOMME
PLUS, COMME des GARCONS HOMME is a basic wear line that embodies COMME des GARCONS' unique style, allowing the wearer's individuality to shine through by eliminating excessive design. Established in 1978, it is the oldest line within the men's collection. Initially designed by Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe took over the design duties from 2003 onwards. Its understated elegance, unaffected by trends, makes it truly casual wear for adults.
COMME des GARCONS HOMME DEUX
Founded in 1987 with the concept of "business suits for Japanese people," COMME des GARCONS HOMME DEUX offers a lineup of suits, ties, and shirts that adhere to the fundamentals of classic menswear, suitable for wear in the business world, while also allowing you to enjoy the playful spirit of COMME des GARCONS in the business setting.
COMME des GARCONS SHIRT:
Comme des GARCONS SHIRT, committed to French production, is known for its striking use of vibrant colors that exude a sense of French esprit. As its name suggests, it primarily releases shirts that make extensive use of color blocking, and has been developing items that are both pop and refined since 1988. A sub-line, COMME des GARCONS SHIRT boys, which conveys a more youthful and fresh feel, was also launched in 2015.
COMME des GARCONS JUNYA WATANABE MAN:
Junya Watanabe, himself a lover of vintage clothing, reconstructs traditional items from various countries. COMME des GARCONS JUNYA WATANABE MAN debuted in 2001. While continuing to create items that add a new touch to historical pieces, the brand continues to gain fans through collaborations with brands such as LEVI'S, MONCLER, and Tricker's. There is also a sub-line called eYe COMME des GARCONS JUNYA WATANABE MAN, which is closer to everyday wear.
GANRYU
Debuting in 2007, GANRYU gained popularity by adding a street style essence to the world of COMME des GARCONS, but sadly ended its run with the Spring/Summer 2017 collection. The designer, Fumito Ganryu, has since left the company and is now working as the designer for FUMITO GANRYU. In addition to the above, in recent years the brand has also been developing a diffusion line that appeals to a wider audience.
PLAY COMME des GARCONS
A unisex casual line, PLAY COMME des GARCONS has been around since 2002, focusing on items that suit everyone, such as T-shirts, polo shirts, and knitwear. The heart logo, designed by Polish-born, New York-based graphic artist Filip Pagowski, is particularly striking.
BLACK COMME des GARCONS
BLACK COMME des GARCONS was born in 2009 and was initially intended to be a limited-time brand, but due to its high reputation, it has continued to this day. As the name suggests, it focuses on "black" items, and because it offers the brand's distinctive silhouette at a relatively affordable price, it functions as an entry-level brand.
CDG
CDG also made headlines in the summer of 2018 when its website was suddenly launched and online sales began. While releasing basic items such as T-shirts, hoodies, coach jackets, and sneakers, it has also collaborated with street-style brands such as ANTI SOCIAL SOCIAL CLUB and BRAIN DEAD, successfully appealing to people who had not previously been exposed to the world of COMME des GARCONS.
Furthermore, various collaborations that transcend borders and eras have also garnered attention, including with musicians such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jamie Reid, and Katsuhiro Otomo, and characters such as Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, Osomatsu-kun, Sally the Witch, and BE@RBRICK.
COMME des GARCONS boasts numerous lines, even just for men. Each line has a distinct character that remains unchanged over time, evolving in its own unique way, distinct from so-called trends.
At the same time, the fact that the brand has successfully collaborated with global fashion houses such as LOUIS VUITTON and Supreme, which can be considered the pinnacle of street fashion, makes it undeniable that the brand has a significant influence on fashion trends.