ReFusing Fashion: Rei Kawakubo

ReFusing Fashion: Rei Kawakubo is a book published in 2008, to coincide with an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit, to celebrate the work of Comme des Garçons founder, Rei Kawakubo. 

The majority of the images in the book are taken from inside the exhibition at MOCAD, the garments are displayed in strange surroundings, with little in the way of explanation behind the concept. Visually the exhibition looks exciting, there is colour everywhere and unexpected items placed around the room.

Whilst the book doesn't contain a thorough walk through on the previous collections of Comme, it does however provide a detailed bio of Rei. Much like Martin Margiela she is infamous for her lack of public appearances and unwillingness to give interviews. The book goes a long way to explain her desire to design - and her strong views on culture as a whole. While some of Rei's ways of working are detailed, it's not an autobiography - and Rei is still tight lipped about her inspiration during designing.


"I couldn't explain my creative process to you. And, even if I could, why would I want to?"

The book also has a great section on surrealism, and the role it plays within the Comme history. The whole reason for Comme is the challenge tradition, and to present a new way of thinking, be that through fashion or otherwise.

Shop Report; Dover Street Market.

 

Dover Street Market is a shop in London which was set-up by Rei Kawakuno of Japanese label Comme des Garçons. As well as stocking lots of Comme des Garçons, they also carry high end brands such as Maison Martin Margiela, YSL, Damir Doma etc.

The first thing that struck me about the shop when I entered was the details. The shop is is set over six floors – with each floor carrying a different ‘theme’. For example, the ground floor is all white, the third floor is laid out on a giant chess board and the basement is set to look like a street.

DSM is unlike most stores in that it plays with lay-out and design. The changing rooms on each floor become centre pieces, rather than being there for their sole function. One of the changing rooms is an altered port-a-loo, another is a huge cylinder covered in beads and tassles. This challenges the regular conventions of shop design.

The garments themselves are also treated with more respect than most highstreet shops. Rather than rail after rail of clothes, they are laid out sparsely – which makes them garner more attention.

Usually I find high-end stores such as this very intimidating, however DSM is a fun and welcoming place to be.

"I want to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos: the mixing up and coming together of different kindred souls who all share a strong personal vision."

Rei KAWAKUBO

All photographs my own.