How Did Comme des Garçons Change Fashion

Comme des Garçons is a Japanese fashion brand started by Rei Kawakubo in 1969. The name means "like the boys" in French and shows the brand's unique direction. At a time when fashion was about beauty and trends, Kawakubo brought something different. Her designs were full of black colors, loose shapes, and unfinished edges. Many people were shocked by the strange and bold style. However, the fashion world started to notice and respect her creative mind. This new idea of clothing changed what people thought fashion could be.

Fashion Was Not About Beauty

Before Comme des Garçons, fashion focused mostly https://commesdegarcons.com/ on beauty and making people look perfect. Clothes were made to fit the body, follow trends, and show status or wealth. Kawakubo did the opposite and challenged the idea of beauty itself. She believed that clothing could express feelings, thoughts, and even discomfort. Her pieces often looked torn, uneven, or not made to fit the body at all. These styles confused many people but also started conversations. People began to understand that fashion could be art and not just about looking good. This mindset slowly changed the whole industry.

Breaking Rules Of Design

Comme des Garçons is famous for breaking the usual rules of fashion design. Most fashion designers follow patterns and use shapes that are safe and familiar. Kawakubo did not follow this path and created new forms and structures. She used oversized shapes, holes in garments, and rough finishes. Sometimes her clothes looked unfinished or even damaged. But there was meaning behind every choice. Each collection had a message, story, or feeling behind it. This bold way of designing opened doors for many other designers. It showed that fashion does not need to follow old rules to be meaningful.

Gender Roles Were Challenged

Another big change that Comme des Garçons brought was the way it challenged gender norms. In the past, men’s and women’s clothing were always very different in style and fit. Kawakubo believed that clothes should not be limited by gender. She made pieces that could be worn by anyone, no matter if they were male or female. Her early collections used dark colors, loose cuts, and layers that hid the body shape. This made people think about the idea of gender in fashion. Many modern designers now follow this idea of genderless clothing. Comme des Garçons helped start this movement years ago.

Fashion Became A Conversation

Before Comme des Garçons, fashion was more about appearance than deep thinking. After Kawakubo entered the industry, fashion became something to talk about and think about. Her shows were like art performances and not just about selling clothes. She created themes that made people question beauty, age, and even the body itself. Fashion critics, artists, and thinkers started paying more attention. Even people who did not understand fashion began to take notice. Suddenly, fashion was not just a business but also a form of communication. Comme des Garçons turned clothing into a powerful voice for ideas.

Inspired A New Generation

Comme des Garçons inspired many young designers all around the world. Kawakubo’s work showed them that it was okay to be different. They learned that fashion could be weird, smart, or even ugly and still be important. Many brands and designers today use ideas first seen in CDG collections. People like Yohji Yamamoto, Martin Margiela, and even newer designers have taken lessons from Kawakubo. The fashion world is now filled with bold and experimental ideas because of her influence. She gave people the courage to try new things without fear. This helped fashion move in a more creative direction.

More Than Just Clothing

Comme des Garçons is more than just a clothing brand. It is a cultural symbol of freedom and creativity. Over the years, the brand has worked with artists, designers, and musicians. It has opened concept stores that feel more like art galleries than shops. One famous example is Dover Street Market, a store that mixes fashion, art, and design. These projects show that CDG is not just selling clothes but creating experiences. People who wear Comme des Garçons often see themselves as part of something bigger.