Rei Kawakubo Of Comme Des Garçons : Japanese Fashion Visionary
Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garcons) is an important name in the design world. She is widely regarded as one of her most influential and respected figures. She has blurred the distinction between fashion and art since 1981 when she made her Paris debut.
Her fashions are not only distinct from other clothing designers, but they also resist and defy cliches and labelling. Her work focuses on the concept behind “in-between”, which is, according to Rei Kawakubo’s approach, situated between space & emptiness.
Absence/Presence
Design or Not Design
Fashion/Anti-Fashion
Model/Multiple
Then/Now
High/Low
Self/Other
Object/Subject
Clothes, but not clothes
Kawakubo’s work is to break down the barriers that are perceived as separating the two dualisms. Kawakubo was a familiar face to many, including me. The show was challenging with its extraordinary garments, installation and catalog. What is fashion? Rei Kawakubo. The richly illustrated publication presents a compelling narrative about Kawakubo’s explorations in oppositions. A “total work or art” is what Kawakubo refers to her fashions and their environments as.
Kawakubo’s history is presented in context. The author also offers an interesting conversation that gives insight into the mind and life of this Japanese fashion visionary. The bonus foldout poster includes 2 Dimensions, winter 2012-13 and Invisible Clothes for spring/summer 2017. This book is not only for fashion lovers, but also offers a glimpse into Kawakubo’s thought process and vision.
