Origins and Concept
Comme des Garçons was founded by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969 and officially registered in 1973. The main label is known for its avant-garde design language and its conceptual approach to fashion. In 2002, Kawakubo introduced the Comme des Garçons PLAY line—a more accessible and utilitarian sub-line based on the idea of functional basics rather than seasonal haute couture.
The Graphic Aesthetic and Production
At the heart of the PLAY line is its minimalist yet recognizable visual aesthetic, defined by specific production criteria and design choices:
The signature logo: The red heart with eyes was created by graphic artist Filip Pagowski and serves as the unifying element across the collections.
Japanese manufacturing: The clothing—including T-shirts made of heavy-weight cotton, wool cardigans, and sweatshirts—is primarily manufactured in factories in Japan to ensure high material standards and precision in the stitching.
Shoes and Collaborations: The lineup includes the recurring collaboration with Converse, where classic canvas styles are paired with PLAY graphics.
Comme des Garçons PLAY at STRØM
The PLAY line represents a fusion of Japanese clothing tradition and minimalist graphic elements. Explore the curated selection of Comme des Garçons PLAY online and in-store at STRØM.