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Rei Kawakubo

Japanese, b. 1942

Comme des Garçons is one of the world’s most innovative and trailblazing fashion brands, helmed by its inimitable founder, Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (b. 1942), who has a penchant for breaking fashion and cultural norms. 

Perhaps no designer better embodies fashion cool than Kawakubo. And when she makes industry veterans lose their cool, well, that’s a fashion moment. The only living designer apart from Yves Saint Laurent to have a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, Kawakubo has permanently changed fashion — her designs for widely loved vintage Comme des Garçons dresses, shirts and other clothing and accessories challenge traditional ideas of beauty with a creative and transgressive exuberance.

After studying art and literature at Keio University in Tokyo, Kawakubo worked as a freelance stylist before establishing her own label in 1969. Comme des Garçons — which is also known as CDG — officially launched in 1973, and Kawakubo opened her first store in Tokyo three years later. She has since been instrumental in pioneering many concepts now familiar in contemporary fashion.

One of Kawakubo’s most iconic moves was her introduction of androgynous styles (Comme des Garçons means “like the boys” in French) with asymmetrical, twisted silhouettes that envelope the body. While she told the New York Times that the “basics of clothing lie in men’s fashion,” Kawakubo believes in the concept of humanness in clothes (she titled her spring 1995 show “Transcending Gender”). In the 1970s, when color-blocking was the norm, Kawakubo stuck to her monochromatic color palette dominated by shades of black with uncompromising dedication, although with evocative and powerful use of red and white.

Comme des Garçons is also known for an often shocking take on fashion. Deconstructed tailoring, violently slashed fabric and sculptural shapes are some themes that run through the brand’s collections, but Kawakubo never explains the meaning of her conceptual pieces, which fall somewhere between art and fashion. For Kawakubo, the body is a mere support, an easel that holds the canvas on which she exercises her formidable creative energy in a perpetual quest to invent a brave new world using fabric, or its equivalent, as her brushstroke. Today's enthusiasts of 1990s fashion revere Kawakubo for her progressive pink plaid grunge dresses, velvet jackets and nylon skirts of the era, which resembled little else back then. They were modeled by the likes of Naomi Campbell and other luminaries of the industry. 

Even though the brand has over the years worked with other innovative designers such as Tao Kurihara and Junya Watanabe and has launched more commercial offshoots like PLAY, known by the iconic heart motif with eyes, the premier men’s line Homme Plus and the multilabel Dover Street Market that opened in 2004, the essence of Comme des Garçons remains Kawakubo’s otherworldly and undefinable creations, which are impossible to ignore.

Find vintage Rei Kawakubo shirts, jackets, day dresses and other clothing on 1stDibs.

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Color:  Black
Designer: Rei Kawakubo
COMME DES GARCONS 2013 black pinstripe wool sportswear construction blazer XS
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 2013 black pinstripe wool sportswear construction blazer XS Reference: PRCN/A00068 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Model: S...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS Vintage AW94 black wool raw edge slit sides tie back dress M
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS Vintage AW94 black wool raw edge slit sides tie back dress M Reference: CRTI/A00048 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: AD1994 Material: Woo...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

new COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS black check rubber buttons blazer jacket XS
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
New COMME DES GARCONS HOMME PLUS black check rubber buttons blazer jacket XS Reference: PRCN/A00057 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Model: Wool blend blazer Collectio...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1998 Vintage grey cowl neck flutter seam 3D cut midi dress S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1998 Vintage grey cowl neck flutter seam 3D cut midi dress S Reference: PYCN/A00099 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: SS1998 Material: Ray...
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1990s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 100% wool navy deconstructed hybrid biker cropped cardigan S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 100% wool navy grey deconstructed hybrid biker cropped cardigan S Reference: CAWG/A00268 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Material: Wool Color: Navy,...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS BLACK Chinese butterfly knot buttons satin boxy qipao shirt S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS BLACK Chinese butterfly knot buttons satin boxy qipao shirt S Reference: LNKO/A02110 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: Black Material: Ace...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage black crushed velvet teardrop crystals skirt M
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage black crushed velvet teardrop crystals skirt M Reference: CRTI/A00741 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo As s...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 2004 Runway black lace eyelet 2-way deconstructed jacket M
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 2004 Runway black lace eyelet 2-way deconstructed jacket M Reference: TGAS/C01663 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 2004 - Runway Material...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's deconstructed wrap bias placket cutout shirt M
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's deconstructed wrap bias placket cutout shirt M Reference: CRTI/A00667 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Col...
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1980s Unknown Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1993 brown reversed seam fuzzy plush wool midi dress M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
"COMME DES GARCONS 1993 brown reversed seam fuzzy plush wool midi dress M Reference: CRTI/A00118 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: AD1993 Material: Wool Col...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1988 black navy polka dot dual layer draped front blazer S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1988 black navy polka dot dual layer draped front blazer S Reference: TGAS/A01157 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

runway COMME DES GARCONS 2005 Broken Bride black victorian ruffle silk dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
runway COMME DES GARCONS 2005 Broken Bride black victorian ruffle silk dress S Reference: TGAS/A00808 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: Fall Winter 2005 Bro...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1990s Vintage black peterpan collar cut out draped top skirt S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1990s Vintage black peterpan collar cut out draped top skirt S Reference: CRTI/A00331 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei ...
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1990s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage navy wool patchwork sweater top
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage navy wool patchwork sweater top Reference: TGAS/C01694 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collecti...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black asymmetric tiered flared tie back shirt M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black asymmetric tiered flared tie back shirt M Reference: CRTI/A00376 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Material: Cotton Color: Black P...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage black wool trapeze layered sweater skirt set M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage black wool trapeze layered sweater skirt set M Reference: CRTI/A00593 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Woo...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage Runway black sequins mesh cropped jacket S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage Runway black sequins mesh cropped jacket S Reference: CRTI/A00630 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s - Runway As seen on: Six Magazine...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

rare COMME DES GARCONS 2009 Runway brown ethnic wool cashmere blanket cocoon M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS 2009 Runway brown ethnic wool cashmere blanket cocoon M Reference: CRTI/A00686 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 2009 - Runway Materi...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's Dinosaur jagged cut out draped coat M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's Dinosaur jagged cut out draped coat M Reference: CRTI/A00697 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s - Runway Material...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black wool cross back cropped jumpsuit S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black wool cross back cropped jumpsuit S Reference: CRTI/A00506 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Wood, Ble...
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1980s Rei Kawakubo

rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black asymmetric wrap kimono robe dress
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black asymmetric wrap kimono robe dress Reference: CRTI/A00698 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Rayon...
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1980s Rei Kawakubo

rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's blue brushstroke angular trapeze dress
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's blue brushstroke angular trapeze dress Reference: CRTI/A00696 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Feels like cotton Color: Navy, Black Pattern: Abstract Closure: Pullover Extra Details: Brush print in deep blue and blackish blue. Elasticated armhole. Angular oversized cut draped back back...
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1980s Rei Kawakubo

rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's Beggar Look washed cotton bishop dress
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's Beggar Look washed cotton bishop dress Reference: CRTI/A00690 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Feels ...
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1980s Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1997 Lumps Bumps brown nylon blend crew neck knit cropped top
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1997 Lumps Bumps brown nylon blend crew neck knit cropped top Reference: CRTI/A00734 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1997 Material: Nylo...
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1990s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 2013 navy wool peterpan collar asymmetric boxy short dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 2013 navy wool peterpan collar asymmetric boxy short dress S Reference: TGAS/C01723 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kaw...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage black waterfall draped chandelier jewel shirt
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980's Vintage black waterfall draped chandelier jewel shirt Reference: CRTI/A00738 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s As seen on: Six Magazine...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

rare TRICOT COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black wool pinched bow sweater
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare TRICOT COMME DES GARCONS Vintage 1980's black wool pinched bow sweater Reference: CRTI/A00739 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collecti...
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1980s Rei Kawakubo

1990s Comme des Garcons Black and Red Polka Dot Layered Skirt
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Portland, OR
This is a fun, playful vintage Comme des Garcons skirt in a black rayon silk blend with red and black polka dotted lining. The top fabric has an almost velvet appearance with transp...
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1990s European Rei Kawakubo

Comme des Garcons 2002 Rosette Vest and Braid Top
By Rei Kawakubo
Located in Carmel, CA
Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons AD 2002 Rosette Vest and Braid Top Rare and collectible Rei Kawakubo cotton rosette vest with a long shawl scarf with several rosettes folded into...
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Early 2000s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1989 Runway black white trimmed cape poncho jacket M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1989 Runway black white trimmed cape poncho jacket M Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1989 ...
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Comme des garçons Black Leather Grommets Purse
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Comme des garcons cross over black leather grommets purse. Measurement: Strap length: 21 inches / Purse width: 8 inches ( see images)
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Comme des Garcons Autumn-Winter 1989 black jersey smocked skirt
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Comme des Garcons Autumn-Winter 1989 black jersey smocked skirt with silver metal zipper
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Vintage Comme des Garcons 1990s Charcoal Gray Mohair Slouchy 90s Blazer Jacket
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in San Diego, CA
Signature vintage early 90s COMME DES GARCONS charcoal gray mohair blazer jacket! Avant Garde feel, with an asymmetrical cut that only Rei Kawakubo could produce! Effortlessly chic, ...
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1990s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Comme des garcons black wool diagonal zipper skirt
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2000s Comme des garcons black wool diagonal zipper skirt. Waist: 25" Hip: 34" Length: 30"
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Late 20th Century Japanese Rei Kawakubo

COMME DES GARCONS 2012 lightweight wool rubber buttons casual blazer jacket S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 2012 lightweight wool rubber buttons casual blazer jacket S Reference: PRCN/A00074 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Model: Rubber button blazer Mater...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Comme des Garcons Spring-Summer 1986 black bias cut evening dress
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Comme des Garcons Spring-Summer 1986 black bias cut jersey evening dress with chiffon and creased nylon fishtail skirt
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1980s Japanese Rei Kawakubo

Rei Kawakubo fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Rei Kawakubo fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of pink, red and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Issey Miyake, Undercover, and Sacai appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Rei Kawakubo fashion from top boutiques around the world. Rei Kawakubo fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $32,400, while the average work can sell for $1,080.

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