In 1991, the fashion world witnessed a groundbreaking moment when two avant-garde Japanese designers, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, jointly presented their collections in Paris. This collaboration left an indelible mark on international fashion, challenging established norms and redefining beauty. Both designers had already established their labels in Japan—Kawakubo in 1975 and Yamamoto in 1972—but their debut in Paris marked a pivotal turning point.
Their designs defied Western conventions, favoring loose-fitting layers, abstract shapes, and asymmetric hemlines over traditional tailoring that accentuated the female form. Initially met with skepticism, their creations were labeled as “ragged chic” or “bag lady look.” However, their impact was undeniable, transforming late twentieth-century fashion in Europe and America.
