“The only thing important to me is making clothes.” – Rei Kawakubo
Created by eccentric designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969, Comme des Garçons (french for “like the boys”) has grown into one of the world’s most loved brands. Kawakubo herself has developed a cult following of fans, eagerly awaiting her every design. Grossing on average $180 million a year, Comme des Garçons has not only established itself as one of the most fashion forward labels, but has expanded to include a range of fragrances, concept stores and difusion lines PLAY and SHIRT.
Last night, Melbourne welcomed the first stand alone Comme des Garçons concept store in Australia. Hidden away down one of Melbourne’s trademark CBD alleyways, the location was perfect for the quirky Comme des Garçons aesthetic.
The Pocket store concept centers around the idea of a minimum fuss interior, which stocks an edit of Comme des Garçons PLAY, WALLET and PARFUM favourites. The store has a cool, creative vibe which echos the trendy Harajuku and Shinjuku neighbourhoods of Japan.
On a balmy Melbourne night, chilled drinks provided the perfect refreshment for guests as they checked out the new store and relaxed in the cobbled laneway. To fit with the Japanese heritage of the brand, the crowd dined on a variety of gourmet sushi, artfully designed on big platters.
As a designer who challenges conventional ideas of style, Kawabuko doesn’t just break fashion rules, she makes them. With over 17 stand-alone boutiques around the world and 120 shops-within-shops she’s obviously doing something right. Melbourne’s unique fashion culture and hidden CBD is the perfect home for the newest Comme des Garçons store, and no doubt Melbourne’s fashion loving crowds will welcome it with open arms (and wallets).
For all your Comme des Garçons needs, make sure you visit the Pocket Store at 2 Rankins Lane in the city.
Images by Wanda Chin
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