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omme des Garçons started in Tokyo, Japan in the year 1969 by Rei Kawakubo. The name means “like the boys” in French, showing the brand’s genderless and bold nature. Rei had a background in art and brought her creative ideas into fashion design. At that time, most clothing followed rules of beauty, shape, and symmetry. But Rei wanted to do something completely different and unexpected with her clothing designs. Her early pieces used black fabric, torn edges, and odd, oversized shapes with deep meaning. These designs were very new and strange to people who were used to simple clothing. Still, her vision attracted attention from artists, designers, and style lovers who wanted something unique.
Taking Over the Japanese Scene
During the 1970s and 1980s, Comme des Garçons became well known across Japan for its bold ideas. People who liked creative fashion began to follow the brand for its wild, brave choices. Rei Kawakubo focused on making clothing that asked questions and made people think deeply. She broke traditional rules of beauty and made fashion about meaning, not just style. Japanese youth culture welcomed CDG because it felt modern, powerful, and full of artistic energy. As the brand grew, it opened more stores across Japan and gained a loyal following. https://commedesgarcon-uk.com/ Many saw CDG as more than a fashion label—it became a form of self-expression. Its growing influence marked the start of a global journey.
CDG Arrives in Paris
In 1981, Comme des Garçons made its debut on the Paris runway to mixed reactions. Many critics were shocked by the use of black, holes, and unfinished looks in the collection. It was different from the polished and elegant French fashion they were used to seeing. But others saw Rei’s work as genius—something fashion had never seen before. The brand’s use of rough textures, asymmetrical cuts, and new shapes made a bold statement. Paris gave CDG a bigger global stage to share its message with the world. Over time, fashion experts and audiences began to accept, and even admire, this raw creative style. CDG was no longer just Japanese—it had started to take over the global fashion scene.
London Welcomes the New Edge
London was one of the first Western cities to fully embrace Comme des Garçons’ strange beauty. London has always been a place for bold style, youth culture, and street fashion experiments. When CDG opened its Dover Street Market in London, the fashion world paid close attention. The store was not just a retail space—it looked like an art museum filled with expression. It mixed fashion, art, design, and culture in one exciting location. Young designers and fans in London loved CDG’s brave, messy, and intelligent approach to fashion. Rei Kawakubo became a fashion icon in the UK, inspiring many British labels to be more daring. London helped turn CDG from a niche label into a worldwide force.
Influence on Streetwear Fashion
While Comme des Garçons began in high fashion, it slowly found its place in streetwear too. The label launched sub-lines like CDG Play, which features a playful heart logo loved by many. CDG Play became popular because it was easier to wear but still had the brand’s identity. Collaborations with brands like Nike, Supreme, and Converse brought CDG into everyday fashion closets. These partnerships connected the brand with younger audiences who loved bold and creative street style. Even with simpler items, the soul of CDG remained strong—breaking norms and showing new ideas. Streetwear lovers started mixing CDG pieces with jeans, sneakers, and hoodies on the daily. This crossover helped CDG expand its reach across continents and cultures.
Rei Kawakubo’s Creative Vision
Rei Kawakubo is known for staying quiet in public but loud in her design work. She rarely gives interviews or explains the meaning behind her collections or runway shows. Instead, she lets the clothes speak and challenge what people believe about style and beauty. She once said she is not interested in designing clothes but in creating new worlds and ideas. Her work often explores themes like identity, death, freedom, and the future of fashion. Rei has inspired generations of new designers to think differently and take bold risks. Many in the fashion industry now call her one of the most important designers in the world. Her leadership has made CDG a symbol of fearless and meaningful creativity.
A Brand That Still Grows
Even after more than 50 years, Comme des Garçons is still growing and reaching new markets. The brand now has stores in major cities like New York, Seoul, Paris, London, and Beijing. It continues to launch new collections, projects, and collaborations that attract attention from all over the world. CDG does not rely on trends or short-term fashion ideas to stay relevant. Instead, it stays strong by offering fresh thoughts, bold choices, and high artistic value. Its runway shows remain exciting, strange, and full of emotion every single season. Fashion lovers around the world continue to follow CDG for its unique point of view. The journey from Tokyo to London is only part of the brand’s incredible global story.
