The New York Times' Cintra Wilson wrote about my favorite store/brand in the paper's Critical Shopper column today. Nestled on West 22nd Street in a former automotive garage (Heavenly Body Works) smack in the middle of Chelsea's gallery district, the Comme des Garcons shop is arguably the most artistic place in the neighborhood - in terms of the store's merchandise, design, philosophy, and possibly even its staff.
Since first showing in Paris in the early 80's, CDG's designer, Rei Kawakubo, has never shied away from provocative, avant-garde, and challenging shapes, styles, and looks which give her designs a certain je ne sais quoi, a defiant boldness, and a bit of a jolie laide (unconventionally pretty) vibe. As Wilson aptly states, "Are Comme des Garçons creations wearable? Are they realistic? Are they cute? Comme des Garçons does not answer these questions. Your approval is not its raison d’être — and this is what makes Comme des Garçons so incredibly great."
Kawakubo often collaborates with and/or supports fellow artists (though she herself claims not to work in art). For instance, the adorable, shifty-eyed heart logo for the label's Play line was designed by Polish artist Filip Pagowski. American artist Raymond Pettibon has collaborated with the brand. And the new CDG store in Osaka is hosting an exhibition by Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma titled Room to Grow.
Learn more about Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons at Nymag.com and Interviewmagazine.com. Read the NYT's piece here.
The inconspicuous front of the Comme des Garcons shop on West 22nd Street
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