In a crowded venue, more people stood than sat, witnessing the latest Comme des Garçons show in a dusty, unused office building in the 9th arrondissement. The worn surroundings mirrored the deconstructed clothing, a captivating blend of fashion and art by designer Rei Kawakubo.
The show featured Kawakubo’s signature tricks, showcasing inside-out jackets and creatively manipulated styles. The opening presented a series of boiled wool jackets, shrunken, ripped, and barely stitched, all in mesmerizing white. Kawakubo explained, “White is symbolic of prayer,” adding a mystical touch to the collection.
Following were inside-as-outside jackets, making a bold fashion statement. The highlight came with calico hacking jackets adorned with London Pearly Men patterns. The finale showcased gangster-worthy pale gray chalk-stripe suits with a poetic cut, reminiscent of Pete Doherty’s style.
In her traditional style, Kawakubo did not take a bow but greeted guests backstage in a giant black coat, wearing a white mask. Her theme of the ‘Spiritual World’ resonated through the otherworldly quality of the clothes, complemented by a unique soundtrack.
While not a vintage display, the collection offered an intriguing journey into semi-sacred style, leaving attendees captivated by Kawakubo’s artistic expression.
