Breaking Fashion Rules with Comme des Garçons

Comme des Garçons is also known for ignoring traditional gender rules in clothing.

Jun 29, 2025 - 11:06
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Breaking Fashion Rules with Comme des Garçons

Fashion has always been about self-expression and pushing personal style boundaries. Some designers follow rules, while others break them to create something new and exciting. One such brand that constantly breaks fashion rules is Comme des Garons. This Japanese fashion label, started by Rei Kawakubo, is known for going against trends. Instead of following the crowd, Comme des Garons sets its own standards in the fashion world. The brand doesnt focus on beauty in the traditional sense. Instead, it introduces new shapes, styles, and ideas to clothing. Many people now see it as a label that challenges normal fashion rules.Comme des Garons is not just a brand but a whole new way of looking at clothes. Every collection comes with a message, whether it's about society, beauty, or identity. This is why the brand is loved by people who enjoy bold and daring fashion choices. When someone wears Comme des Garons, they are not just dressing up but also making a strong statement. They show that fashion is not just about looking good, but also about feeling confident and unique.

Who Started The Brand

The brand Comme des Garons was started by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969. Rei was not a trained fashion designer, but she had a background in fine arts and literature. She started by making her own commesdegarcons.com clothes, which slowly gained attention for being very different. In 1973, she officially launched Comme des Garons as a fashion label. The name of the brand means like the boys in French, which hints at its untraditional style. Rei was interested in designing clothes that did not follow common fashion trends or gender norms.By the 1980s, the brand had reached Paris and shocked the fashion world with its unique style. Unlike other designers who showed colorful and fitted clothes, Rei introduced dark, oversized, and torn-looking outfits. Her designs confused many people at first, but soon fashion lovers began to appreciate her boldness. Even today, Rei remains one of the most respected and original designers in the world. She continues to run the brand with a strong vision that challenges the normal rules of beauty and style.

What Makes It Different

Comme des Garons is not like other fashion brands because it focuses on creativity over beauty. While most designers try to make clothes that look flattering or elegant, this brand does the opposite. It uses strange shapes, rough cuts, and even unfinished designs to express ideas. Some clothes may look torn, twisted, or too big, but that is all part of the plan. The goal is not to make the wearer look perfect, but to start a conversation through the clothes.This brand is also known for mixing different materials and styles in unexpected ways. You might see lace mixed with leather or soft fabrics paired with metal pieces. This unusual style shows that fashion does not need to follow one rule or one look. People who wear Comme des Garons enjoy the freedom it gives them to be bold and expressive. They often choose the brand because they want to stand out and not look like everyone else.

Designs That Shocked The World

Many of the collections by Comme des Garons have surprised or even confused the public. One famous example is the Lumps and Bumps collection from 1997. In this collection, the clothes had padded sections that made the body look misshaped. Some people thought it looked strange or even ugly, but others saw it as a deep statement about beauty. Rei Kawakubo wanted to show that clothing doesnt always need to follow the shape of the body. She wanted to challenge the idea that fashion must always make someone look slim or attractive.Another collection that shocked people was one that used mostly black and grey clothes with ripped designs. These clothes looked worn out, but they were made from high-quality fabrics and sold at luxury prices. The message was clear: fashion does not have to be bright, polished, or pretty to be meaningful. Over time, people began to understand that Comme des Garons was not about fashion trends. It was about using clothing as a form of art and personal expression.

Focus On Gender Neutral Fashion

Comme des Garons is also known for ignoring traditional gender rules in clothing. Most fashion brands design one collection for men and another for women. But this brand often creates pieces that anyone can wear, no matter their gender. Many of the clothes are oversized or designed in a way that does not highlight the bodys shape. This helps people feel more free in how they choose to dress.Rei Kawakubo believes that fashion should not be limited by gender. She often says that clothing should express who you are, not what society expects. This idea has made the brand very popular among younger people who support gender freedom. In recent years, many fashion brands have started to follow this trend. But Comme des Garons was doing it long before it became popular. The brand continues to lead in promoting a more open and accepting view of style.

Influence On Global Streetwear

Although Comme des Garons started as a high fashion brand, it has had a strong influence on streetwear. Many streetwear designers look up to Rei Kawakubo for her fearless creativity and fresh ideas. Over the years, the brand has worked with popular streetwear names like Supreme, Nike, and Stssy. These collaborations bring together high fashion and street style, creating something exciting for younger fashion lovers.The brands sub-labels like CDG Play with the heart logo have become famous around the world. These pieces are more casual and affordable, making the brand more accessible. Many young people wear CDG sneakers or t-shirts to add an artistic touch to their outfits. These designs allow people to enjoy Comme des Garons spirit of rebellion and uniqueness without spending too much money. The brands smart mix of high-end and everyday fashion has helped it stay relevant for decades.

How It Changed Fashion Forever

Comme des Garons changed fashion by showing that beauty is not the only goal of clothing. Before Rei Kawakubo, most designers focused on making the wearer look attractive or elegant. But she introduced the idea that fashion can also be strange, bold, or even uncomfortable. Her work inspired many other designers to take risks and create more original pieces. She helped fashion move from being just about looks to also being about thought and meaning.The brand also pushed the fashion industry to accept new ideas, including gender freedom, body shapes, and non-traditional materials. It proved that clothes can start conversations, express feelings, and challenge societys views. Even people who dont wear Comme des Garons can feel its influence in modern fashion. Many current trends in oversized clothes, unisex fashion, and experimental styles trace back to this bold label. Comme des Garons will always be remembered as a brand that changed the way we see clothes.

Why People Still Love It

Even after more than fifty years, Comme des Garons is still one of the most loved fashion brands. It continues to surprise fans with new ideas and styles that break the rules. People respect the brand because it does not try to please everyone. It stays true to its creative vision no matter what the fashion world is doing. This honesty and boldness keep loyal fans coming back every season.The brand also offers something for everyonefrom runway pieces to streetwear collections. Its deep meaning, creative power, and emotional designs attract people who want more than just normal fashion. They want to wear something that makes them think, feel, and stand out. In a world full of trends and copies, Comme des Garons remains original and fearless. That is why it continues to grow and inspire millions around the globe.