Our Favorite Designers (Part 1)

Junya Watanabe

Born in Tokyo in 1967. He graduated from Bunka Fashion College, Tokyo, in 1984 and immediately joined Comme des Garçons as a pattern cutter and underling of founder-owner of Comme des Garçons, designer Rei Kawakubo.

Three years later Watanabe began designing the Comme des Garçons ‘Tricot’ line and after a further five years he introduced his first own-label collection in 1992. Although designing under his own name, Watanabe still works under the overall Comme des Garçons title, which administrates and produces his collections. In 1993 Watanabe moved his shows from Tokyo to Paris and another eight years later he launched a menswear line in 2001.

Junya Watanabe is renowned for his avant-garde style; in particular, his exploration of new cutting concepts, his ingenious sourcing of fabrics and innovative draping techniques.

Commes des Garcons

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.

TAO

A 1992 graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins, Tao is the latest hopeful to emerge from behind the scenes at Comme des Garçons, where she now works with her own team of six designers.

Tao’s collections tend to be somewhat feminine and playful, often using doses of color or articles insprired by lingerie. Designing for four seasons under Comme Des Garcons, Tao’s collections are often romantic and personal.