Comme des Garcons is not a brand that plays safe. From the very start, it stood apart like a quiet rebel in a loud room. Founded in Tokyo, the label challenged ideas of beauty, shape, and wearability long before fashion crowds caught on. While many brands chased trends, Comme des Garcons created its own path.
Rei Kawakubo launched Comme des Garcons in the late 1960s. The name translates loosely to “like boys,” which hinted at the gender-bending ideas behind the clothes. Early designs leaned heavily on black, loose shapes, and unfinished edges. At a time when polish ruled fashion, this felt shocking.
When the brand reached Paris, reactions were mixed. Critics called the work strange and raw. Supporters saw something fresh and fearless. That tension pushed Comme des Garcons into the spotlight and turned it into a talking point across fashion circles.