The story of COMME des GARÇONS begins with visionary founder Rei Kawakubo. Born on October 11, 1942 in Tokyo, Japan, Kawakubo is a self-taught designer. She studied art and literature at Keio University in Tokyo before starting her career in the advertising department of a textile company and later working as a freelance stylist.

In 1969, Kawakubo founded COMME des GARÇONS, with the name — “like boys” in French — symbolizing her quest for a departure from traditional femininity in fashion. In 1973, she launched her own label under this name and opened her first boutique in Tokyo in 1975. Her style was revolutionary — with abstract, deconstructed silhouettes, a strong focus on black, and an often restrained use of patterns and embellishments.

In 1981, COMME des GARÇONS conquered the international fashion world when Kawakubo showed her first collection at Paris Fashion Week. Her avant-garde designs, which were very different from the dominant western ideals of beauty at the time, initially led to controversy but were eventually recognized as groundbreaking. She quickly established herself as a leading figure in the fashion avant-garde.

In the following decades, Kawakubo expanded the COMME des GARÇONS offering by introducing sub-lines, including Homme (for menswear), Play (a casual, playful line), and Noir (a line based on black garments). She was also a pioneer in the fashion world by creating unusual and eclectic outlets, such as Dover Street Market, a multi-brand retail concept store that opened in London in 2004 and later opened locations in New York, Singapore and Beijing.

Rei Kawakubo's significant role in the fashion world was recognized in 2017 with a solo exhibition of her work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York — the first such exhibition for a still-living designer since Yves Saint Laurent in 1983.

COMME des GARÇONS remains under the creative direction of Kawakubo and is known for his artistic, often provocative approach to the world of fashion.

Kawakubo's design philosophy — the aesthetics of “unfinished,” the ability to find beauty in imperfection, and the constant desire to question the ordinary — remains at the core of the brand.

The remarkable career of Rei Kawakubo and the continued presence of COMME des GARÇONS on the global fashion stage attest to her visionary creativity, her constant drive to innovate, and her unwavering commitment to the artistic integrity of fashion.

They're a shining example of how a brand that resists compliance can have a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

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COMME des GARÇONS has initiated a variety of remarkable collaborations over the years, which have helped position the brand both in the high-fashion segment and in the streetwear and lifestyle world.

One of COMME des GARÇONS' most well-known and long-lasting partnerships is with Nike. This collaboration has produced various sneaker designs over the years, including notable versions of the Air Force 1 and the Dunk High “Clear.” This partnership demonstrates COMME des GARÇONS' ability to integrate their avant-garde aesthetics into the streetwear segment while respecting Nike's brand identity.

Another significant collaboration is the partnership with Converse. In particular, the COMME of the GARÇONS PLAY line is known for its recurring collaboration with Converse, which features the characteristic PLAY heart logo on the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker. This partnership has produced a series of limited editions that have resonated with both high fashion enthusiasts and streetwear lovers.

In addition, COMME des GARÇONS also worked with Swedish fashion giant H&M to create a limited edition collection that brought the distinctive COMME des GARÇONS style to a wider audience. This collaboration, which took place in 2008, was a milestone for the brand and helped to strengthen its profile on the global fashion market.

COMME des GARÇONS has also carried out several collaborations in the luxury segment. One notable partnership is the one with Hermès in 2013, during which the two brands released a limited edition scarf collection called “Comme des Carrés.”

The collaboration with eyewear manufacturer Ray-Ban, which created a series of sunglasses under the “COMME des GARÇONS x Ray-Ban” brand, is also remarkable.

Finally, the collaboration with Supreme, an iconic streetwear brand, should not go unmentioned. This partnership once again showed how cleverly COMME des GARÇONS navigates various styles and market segments.