Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo has teamed up with Wallpaper* magazine to curate a 20 page portfolio of art, photography, illustration and graphics for its October issue. The published works have been specially commissioned for the lifestyle publication and is a unique insight into Kawakubo’s inspirations and design philosophy.
“The making of clothes is no the only way to express the essence and values of Comme des Garcons,” Kawakubo said. “It is difficult to say everything I want to say with 20 pages of clothes. By choosing the work of various artists according to the spirit of the label, a new departure is arrived at and all the 20 pages become one mode of expression.”
The Comme des Garcons empire reportedly earned $180m last year, although Kawakubo would be uneasy to discuss figures, citing she wants to challenge the fashion industry’s need to make money, which often bypasses the art as its very nature. The Comme des Garcons portfolio, however, is no lagging business, and has boutiques in the world’s leading cities in addition to ‘guerilla units’ in unpromising locations, such as Brooklyn and Beirut. Then there are the collaborations with brands as diverse as H&M, Speedo and Louis Vuitton.
Comme des Garcons’ collaboration with H&M is due to hit stores in November. Shoppers can expect a capsule range of 30 designs that may considered ‘fast fashion’ to some, but will not be compromised on style or taste.
Image: Rei Kawakubo
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