If you love fashion, you have probably heard of Comme des Garcons. It is a famous Japanese fashion brand known for its unique and creative styles. The brand started a long time ago, in 1969, and has changed a lot over the years. Each decade brought new ideas and designs that surprised and inspired fashion lovers. In this blog post, we will take a fun visual journey through the decades of Comme des Garcons. You will learn about the brand’s history and see how its style changed through time.
1960s to 1970s: The Beginning
Who Started It?
Comme des Garcons began in 1969 when Rei Kawakubo, a Japanese artist and designer, created the brand. She wanted to make clothes that were different from the usual fashion at that time.Early Designs:
During the early years, Comme des Garcons was known for simple but bold black clothes. The brand used dark colors and loose shapes that didn't fit tightly. It was very different from the bright and tight clothes popular in the 1960s and 1970s.Style Idea:
The early style was about breaking the rules and showing that fashion could be more than just pretty clothes. It was a new way to think about how we dress.
Visuals to imagine: Think of simple black dresses and coats with unusual shapes and soft fabrics.
1980s: The Rise of Avant-Garde Fashion
Big Change:
The 1980s was when Comme des Garcons became famous worldwide. Rei Kawakubo showed her collections in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. People were shocked and amazed by her designs.What Made It Stand Out?
Kawakubo’s clothes looked like artworks. They had big, lumpy shapes, holes, and cuts. These designs didn’t follow the usual idea of beauty. Instead, they made people think.Important Collection:
The “Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body” collection in 1981 was very famous. Clothes looked like they changed the shape of the body with padding and strange forms.
Visuals to imagine: Big black dresses with big bumps, holes, and strange shapes that challenge the body’s form.
1990s: Experimenting with New Shapes and Textures
What Happened?
In the 1990s, Comme des Garcons kept being different. Kawakubo played with textures like soft fabric mixed with hard materials. She also made clothes look lumpy or bumpy, which was called the “Lumps and Bumps” style.Colors:
While black was still the main color, this decade started to use some white and gray for contrast.Style Idea:
The brand continued to push the idea that clothes could show feelings and stories, not just cover the body.
Visuals to imagine: Clothes with padded areas that look like lumps, plus mix of smooth and rough fabrics.
2000s: More Access to Everyone
Play Line Launch:
In 2002, Comme des Garcons launched its famous Play line. Unlike the artistic main collections, Play was simple and fun. It featured T-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers with a cute heart logo with eyes.Why It’s Important:
Play made the brand more popular with young people and everyday fashion lovers. The designs were easy to wear but still part of the Comme des Garcons spirit.Style Idea:
A mix of luxury and casual clothes that anyone could wear.
Visuals to imagine: White or black T-shirts with a red heart logo, simple hoodies, and sneakers.
2010s: Collaborations and Popularity
Big Collaborations:
Comme des Garcons worked with many famous brands like Nike, Vans, and Converse. These collaborations made unique shoes and clothes that mixed both brands' styles.Bold Designs:
At the same time, the main brand continued to show bold, artistic collections with new ideas and shapes.Influence:
The brand became popular not only among fashion experts but also on social media platforms like Instagram.
Visuals to imagine: Sneakers with heart logos, oversized jackets with bold cuts, and mixed fabric textures.
2020s: New Ideas and Sustainability
What’s New?
In the 2020s, Comme des Garcons focuses on creativity and also caring for the planet. The brand uses sustainable fabrics and tries to make clothes that last a long time.Current Style:
The brand continues mixing old and new ideas. Some clothes look artistic, while others are simple and wearable.Style Idea:
Fashion that expresses creativity, respects the environment, and is for everyone.
Visuals to imagine: Clothes made with recycled materials, simple black dresses, and bold artistic pieces.
Why Comme des Garcons Is Special Through the Years
Always Different:
No matter the decade, Comme des Garcons never follows the crowd. The brand always tries new ideas and breaks fashion rules.Art and Fashion Together:
Rei Kawakubo believes clothes can be art. This idea stays true over all the decades.Fashion for Everyone:
With the Play line and collaborations, the brand makes sure many people can enjoy its style.Change and Growth:
The brand changes with time but keeps its own special spirit.
How You Can Use This Visual Timeline
Knowing how Comme des Garcons changed through the decades can help you understand and enjoy its style more.
Try Different Styles: Look back at the 80s or 2000s for outfit ideas.
Mix Old and New: Use artistic pieces with casual clothes for a cool look.
Express Yourself: Comme des Garcons encourages creativity. Wear what feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Comme des Garcons has a fascinating story that shows how fashion can be art and self-expression. From the simple black clothes of the 1970s to the playful heart logo T-shirts and eco-friendly designs today, the brand keeps inspiring people around the world.
By looking at Comme des Garcons through the decades, you see how fashion can change and still be special. Whether you love bold designs or simple favorites, the brand offers something exciting for everyone.
So next time you see a Comme des Garcons piece, think about all the history and creativity behind it. Fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about stories, feelings, and freedom to be yourself – just like Comme des Garcons has shown for over 50 years!
