Escaping the somber atmosphere of 2023, Comme des Garçons has painted a canvas of hope and vitality with its Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Rei Kawakubo, renowned for her avant-garde innovation, has swiveled in a different, more playful direction this time around. With the world entwined in solemnity, the brand reveals a collection that is an exuberant explosion of color, texture, and emotion, marking a stark departure from the prevailing mood and the designer’s characteristic style.
There is an evident and deliberate divergence in Rei Kawakubo’s latest artistry. With the ethos of liberation at its core, Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 2024 is a liberating force of creativity against the constraints of contemporary fashion and society’s burdens. Kawakubo, akin to the legendary Rick Owens, combats the ominous atmosphere with a fashion narrative infused with jest and jollity.
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Enveloping the runway, 18 monumental spheres of vivid textiles tell tales of freedom and defiance. Kawakubo’s textile sculptures, echoing whimsy, are reminiscent of a child’s unhinged imagination. Highlighter-hued plastic bob wigs give a nod to the iconic Yayoi Kusama, painting pictures of rebellious jubilance, away from the confines of societal norms.
Kawakubo’s designs, though opulent, have always exuded a profound gravity. Yet, this collection, saturated with neon graphics and tartan, challenges previous norms. The ensemble of gargantuan Peter Pan collars and trapeze shapes crafted from coiled tubing dances between artistry and a delightful absurdity. Amid the grayness of the prevailing global atmosphere, these creations stand as radiant testimonies of a brighter tomorrow.
The silhouettes are unapologetically grand, with some evoking the majestic forms of giant turtles or vast conch shells. The Japanese designer embraces audacity, manifesting her creations with a blend of zany prints and resplendent textures, making them a visual celebration of freedom. Comme des Garçons, known for its often solemn and profound presentations, injects a refreshing dose of levity, constructing dresses that echo the innocent playfulness of a child’s doodles.
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©Photo: Comme des Garçons