The history of the CDG brand – How Rei Kawakubo changed fashion and art
The history of the CDG brand is a tale of innovation, creativity, and courage. Comme des Garçons, founded by Rei Kawakubo in 1969, is a brand that has had a profound impact on fashion and art. In this article, you will learn how Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons changed the approach to designing and producing clothing, becoming some of the most influential figures in the world of fashion.
The beginnings of Comme des Garçons
Rei Kawakubo – creativity and innovation
Rei Kawakubo was born in Tokyo in 1942. She studied at Keio University in Tokyo, where she earned a degree in art history and aesthetics. After graduation, she worked as a designer for several Japanese clothing companies before establishing her own brand in 1969. From the very beginning, Comme des Garçons represented a different approach to fashion, combining art, creativity, and innovation.
The first Comme des Garçons collections
The first Comme des Garçons collection, released in 1975, was a stunning insight into the world of fashion. Rei Kawakubo used simple, almost minimalist cuts and color palettes to draw attention to the shape and proportions of the garments. In subsequent years, the brand began to experiment with materials and cuts, creating original, avant-garde collections.
Experiments with design
Deconstruction – destructive designs
One of Rei Kawakubo's most important experiments was introducing the idea of deconstruction into fashion – the destruction and reassembling of clothes to create something new. This technique involves rejecting traditional concepts of design and tailoring in favor of joining different pieces of fabric in an unconventional way. This approach to design allowed for the creation of unique, one-of-a-kind collections that became a hallmark of Comme des Garçons.
Homage to Yohji Yamamoto – a tribute to Yohji Yamamoto
In the 1980s, Rei Kawakubo became friends with Yohji Yamamoto, another influential Japanese designer. Their friendship evolved into a design collaboration, in which Rei Kawakubo created the Comme des Garçons Homage to Yohji Yamamoto collection, a tribute to her friend and mentor.
Comme des Garçons in the 21st century
New collections and projects
Comme des Garçons is a brand that is constantly evolving and changing. In the 21st century, Rei Kawakubo has introduced many new design concepts, such as Comme des Garçons Play, a line of children's clothing, and collections for H&M and Converse stores.
Impact on fashion and culture
Comme des Garçons has had a massive impact on fashion and culture. The brand has become a symbol of innovation and the avant-garde in design, and Rei Kawakubo has become an icon and an inspiration to many young designers around the world.
Frequently asked questions about Comme des Garçons
- What does the name Comme des Garçons mean?
Comme des Garçons is a French phrase which translates into English as "Like boys." The name reflects the challenges and the brand's approach to design.
- What are the most famous Comme des Garçons collections?
Comme des Garçons has many famous collections, such as Comme des Garçons Play, Comme des Garçons Homme, and Comme des Garçons Girl.
- Where can you buy Comme des Garçons clothing?
Comme des Garçons clothing can be purchased in brand stores around the world, in specialized boutiques, and in selected online shops.
Summary
The history of the CDG brand is a tale of innovation, creativity, and courage. Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons created a brand that has become one of the most important symbols of avant-garde fashion and art. Comme des Garçons has had a massive impact on fashion and culture, and Rei Kawakubo has become an icon and an inspiration to many young designers around the world. Thanks to its approach to design, Comme des Garçons remains one of the most influential players in the fashion industry.
