“I have always pursued a new way of thinking about design by denying established values, conventions and what is generally accepted as the norm. And the modes of expression that are important to me are fusion, imbalance, the unfinished, elimination and absence of intent,” says Rei Kawakubo who first set up her revolutionary brand in Tokyo in 1969 naming Comme des Garçons after a Françoise Hardy lyric.

Kawakubo’s design has consistently defied conventions as she explores body shape, gender stereotyping, and the beauty of imperfection while challenging ideals of perfection. In the history of fashion, she has become an inspiration for generations of designers - such as Japanese counterparts sacai, Toga Archives and Facetasm to Rick Owens and Xiao Li - who admire Kawakubo’s fearless innovation and the balance of creativity and commerce.