Comme des Garçons is one of the world’s most innovative and trailblazing fashion brands, helmed by its inimitable founder, Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (b. 1942), who has a penchant for breaking fashion and cultural norms. The only living designer apart from Yves Saint Laurent to have a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, Kawakubo has permanently changed fashion with designs that challenge traditional ideas of beauty with a creative and transgressive exuberance.
After studying art and literature at Keio University in Tokyo, Kawakubo worked as a freelance stylist before establishing her own label in 1969. Comme des Garçons — which is also known as CDG — officially launched in 1973, and Kawakubo opened her first store in Tokyo three years later. She has since been instrumental in pioneering many concepts now familiar in contemporary fashion.
One of Kawakubo's most iconic moves was her introduction of androgynous styles (Comme des Garçons means “like the boys” in French) with asymmetrical, twisted silhouettes that envelope the body. While she told the New York Times that the “basics of clothing lie in men’s fashion,” Kawakubo believes in the concept of humanness in clothes (she titled her spring 1995 show “Transcending Gender”).
In the 1970s, when color-blocking was the norm, Kawakubo stuck to her monochromatic color palette dominated by shades of black with uncompromising dedication, although with evocative and powerful use of red and white.
Comme des Garçons is also known for an often shocking take on fashion. Deconstructed tailoring, violently slashed fabric and sculptural shapes are some themes that run through the brand’s collections, but Kawakubo never explains the meaning of her conceptual pieces, which fall somewhere between art and fashion.
Designer Junya Watanabe, who worked alongside Kawakubo for nearly a decade, operates an atelier based within the Tokyo headquarters of Comme des Garçons, and he established a line under Kawakubo's label in the early 1990s. Since then, even though the brand has launched additional lines and more commercial offshoots like PLAY, known by the iconic heart motif with eyes, the premier men’s line Homme Plus and the multilabel Dover Street Market that opened in 2004, the essence of Comme des Garçons remains Kawakubo’s otherworldly and undefinable creations, which are impossible to ignore.
Find vintage Comme des Garçons shirts, jackets, day dresses and other clothing on 1stDibs.
Y2K Comme des Garcons Vintage Black Avant Garde Patchwork Shift Dress
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Sparks, NV
Unique Comme des Garcons black shift dress with patchwork sides and painted "wet look" trim. Details: Unlined No Closure/ Fabric Contains Stretch Marked Size: Small Color: B...
Comme Des Garçons Fall Black Twisted Concept Dress 2002
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons Fall 2002 black twisted concept dress, an iconic example of Rei Kawakubo’s sculptural and avant-garde approach to...
NEW 2013 COMME DES GARCONS silk gown with flower detail
By Rei Kawabuko, Comme des Garçons
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Cream dress with floral detail designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garcons dating to the 2013 Spring/Summer collection. Dress constructed in tones of cream and ivory in a soft woo...
Comme Des Garcons Runway Look1 Ruched Parachute Extendable White Dress ss 2003
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons, Comme des Garçons
Located in Chicago, IL
For his design mentor Rei Kawakubo's Japanese brand Comme des Garcons, Junya Wantanabe made this inimitable translucent white taffeta floaty ruffled-V-neck sleeveless pullover dress with distinct parachute elements, cutwork, and adjustable ruching and draping as "Look 1 and 2" (see photos) for the Parisian fashion show debut of his Spring/Summer 2003 collection. Significantly, no other Wantanabe collection is represented by more garments at The Met Costume Institute. The stunning combination of contrasts range from romantic-to-combat themes, gathered-to-flowing construction, raw-to-finely-finished edges, soft-to-hard materials, and gossamer-to-dense textural fabrics. Secured on the exterior of the dress with bold silver-tone metallic hardware, the parachute-like 100%-cotton grosgrain straps are mostly enclosed within multiple diagonal and vertical ruched channels to enable symmetrical or asymmetrical draping and lengthening of the thin synthetic fabric into multiple swags. Strap ends can freely hang from the functional hardware on the front of the dress and below its sides--as if they could be yanked to release the fabric into a drifty parachute sail. With the potential to be a stunning formal overlay if worn with a minimalist wedding gown or long skirt, the reverse side of the voluminous dress is equally remarkable for its ruffled diamond-shaped cutout at the lower back, where it is intersected by a trio of linked thick straps that are secured to a looped ruched channel. This creates an elongated bustle with a dramatic central 19-inch slit between the two swags that each extend 43 inches below the outer shoulder hem. This premiere-catwalk dress is distinguished from others in Wantanabe's "Parachute Jumper" collection by the complexity of its top. Two ruched straps form an X-shape via silver hardware at the upper back, extending to the front over the shoulders to form an adjustable face-flattering ruched V-neck with silver-hardware-linked narrow straps. The soft folds of the neckline contribute to the raised ruffle collar, as well as flow to the shoulder seams. The hand-cut hem was designed unfinished and meant to fray, although it has not given its minimal wear and very good condition consistent with only age and storage. See our photos of the care/material tags. All tags remain, including from the Italian concept-store 10 Corso Como where it was purchased in Milan. The "Made in Japan" size is a large-running "S" due to the pullover and adjustable style of the dress, which is equivalent to an Italian-size 44 or U.S.-size 6. Beyond a convertible dress...
Comme des Garcons MET Exhibit Asymmetric Lace Runway Dress Gown, 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rei Kawakubo opened the 1997 f/w runway show in this soft gold lace and textured wool asymmetrical embellished gown. As seen in the Comme des Garcons MET exhibition. Sleeveless...
Comme des Garcons Parachute Skirt AD 1990
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous brown parachute skirt from Comme des Garcons, CDG AD 1990 collection. The skirt is full comprised of draped, asymmetric, overlapping layers ...
1986 Comme des Garcons black RUNWAY dress with box pleats
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1986 black wool runway dress by Comme des Garcons is constructed with vertical box pleats that structure the body of the garment and define its shape. The silhouette remains str...
rare COMME DES GARCONS 2009 Runway black patchwork mini skirt
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare COMME DES GARCONS 2009 Runway black grey patchwork multi media deconstructed patchwork mini dress S Reference: TGAS/F01038 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collec...
Comme des Garcons NWT 2014 Runway Oversized Aerodynamic Link Dress
By Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rei Kawakubo's collection for Comme des Garcons S/S 2014 denotes a collection creatively unfettered by rules and formulas normally used in the fashion industry. In this collection t...
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons Floral Gold Chain Cut Out Back Dress, 2008
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons, Comme des Garçons
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Protégé of the notorious Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe is known for offering similarly expressive and artistic works that push the boundaries of fashion and the avant-garde. Showcasin...
runway COMME DES GARCONS Broken Bride AW05 black victorian ruffle silk dress S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
runway COMME DES GARCONS Broken Bride AW05 black victorian ruffle silk dress S Reference: TGAS/A00808 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: Fall Winter 2005 Bro...
Comme Des Garcons Runway Look12 Bias Cut Draping Satin Maxi Dress ss 2000
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo Comme Des Garcons
Located in Chicago, IL
Comme des Garcon founder Rei Kawakubo designed this translucent salmon-pink bias-cut satin sleeveless maxi dress evening gown for her Spring/Summer 2000 collection, which debuted on a runway model at Paris Fall Fashion Week as "Look 12" among the Vogue photo-coverage (see our last photo of the ensemble). The unusual V-neck shape creates a deep central drape in the front of the unlined dress that prevents the synthetic semi-transparent fabric from clinging to the torso. To continue to flatter the curvy shape of the lower body like the bias-cut enables, such as while walking, Kawakubo added an additional piece of fabric with a circling angular seam that rises from the wider hem. With the exception of the brand tag, all others were cut off by the sole owner to eliminate bulk and visibility through the dress. If the buyer would prefer, the fabric can be made shinier and completely smooth with professional pressing. If the buyer would like to create a layered ensemble with this gown as seen on the runway, we have other textural colorful tops to choose from with over-dyed unique appliques from this same Spring/Summer 2000 collection. However, we think our backless-mannequin photos show that this minimal dress...
Comme Des Garçons Blue Silk and Rayon Draped Dress, FW 1984
By Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Comme Des Garçons ▪ Creative Director: Rei Kawakubo ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1984 ▪ Fabric: 65% Rayon, 35% Silk ▪ Details: Large asymmetric drapes and tucks sewn with a wh...
Comme Des Garçons Asymmetric Dress in Unlined Wool
By Comme des Garçons
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Comme des Garçons - Asymmetrical dress in unlined wool. Marked size S, it fits a 36FR. To note, presence of a small hole in the stitch. Additional information: Condition: Very good ...
Rare Comme Des Garcons Runway 2019 Dress X Heavy Chains Artwork By baanai NEW S
By Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
Comme Des Garcons Runway 2018 Dress with chain Artwork By baanai Size S Dress and chain comes separate.Please see image on how to display chain ,it goes...
90s Comme des garcons white cotton and knit dress
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Comme des garcons white cotton and knit dress with standing collar. Size:6/8 Bust: 38" / waist: 34" / Hip: 38" Length: 40" ***dress has some pulle...
Comme des Garcons "Folded Wings" Sheer Embroidered Dress
By Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1997 A/W Comme des Garcons sculptural shape of folded wings in an intersting fabrication. As seen on the runway. Fashioned of wool and poly in a soft shade of yellow with gold leaf embroidery...
Tao Comme des Garcons F/W 2007 Cable Knit Asymmetric Dress
By Comme des Garçons, TAO Comme Des Garçons
Located in Paris, FR
Cable knit asymmetric dress by Tao Comme des Garcons crafted in cream wool featuring an intricate cable knit bodice with sculptural construction. The fitted sleeveless top showcases ...
Comme Des Garcons Black Sheer Dress W/ Draping & Interior Silver Chains Aw 2000
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons black sheer dress with draping and interior silver chains from the Fall 2000 collection, featuring a detachable s...
$616Sale Price|30% Off
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's black velvet asymmetric dropped armhole dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's black velvet asymmetric dropped armhole dress S Reference: CRTI/A00601 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Ve...
Comme des Garçons Layered Bias-Cut Silk Dress with Elastic Detailing, SS 1994
By Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
This Comme des Garçons dress plays with transparency and layering, offering a minimalist, architectural silhouette typical of Rei Kawakubo's signature design approach in the early 90...
Rare Comme des Garcons Runway "Broken Bride" Wedding Ensemble Coat & Dress
By Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rei Kawakubo's Fall 2005 "Broken Bride" Collection emphasized beautiful and romantic "nuptial" clothing inspired by the Victorian era. Look #23 on the runway showcases a full length coat with an attached wedding dress fashioned of silk with an antique look of parchment. This ensemble is that which is being offered. Asymmetric draped dress is fashioned of silk and cotton with patterns of Victorian lace, stains, imprinted on the front of the dress. The coat is substantial and weighty fully lined and includes a belt. Garment is cleverly designed as one (1) piece giving the illusion of 2 separate pieces. Garments displays...
COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black nylon cotton halter bias skirt dress
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black nylon cotton halter bias skirt dress Reference: CRTI/A00647 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Rayon, C...
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's black velvet asymmetric dropped armhole dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's black velvet asymmetric dropped armhole dress S Reference: CRTI/A00601 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Ve...
New Comme Des Garcons Noir Kei Ninomiya Black + Silver Grommets Cotton Dress
By Comme des Garçons
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Limited Edition brand new with tags COMME DES GARCONS NOIR KEI NINOMIYA black sleeveless Avant Garde cotton dress! Features a ...
2002 COMME DES GARCONS black wool dress
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawabuko
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Avant-garde black wool knit dress designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons Fall/Winter 2002 collection. The piece has a deconstructed, layered look that frequently used in Kawa...
Comme des Garcons Coveted 2011 Hybrid Vintage Scarf Dress
By Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rei Kawakubo's "Hybrid Fashion" collection of F/W 2011 features asymmetric ruched, twisted and draped dresses on a background, showcasing a colorful display of multiple vintage silk scarves. Rei has incorporated her longtime personal collection of scarves into this unique, vintage scarf dress...
$709Sale Price|46% Off
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's mock neck asymmetric peplum midi dress M
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's mock neck asymmetric peplum midi dress M Reference: CRTI/A00603 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Color: Black Patter...
2008 COMME DES GARCONS navy blue sheer dress with ruffles
By Comme des Garçons
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Comme des Garçons Spring 2008 dress in deep navy blue. The top is sheer and lightweight with a soft collar and sleeveless cut. The skirt is built from layer...
COMME DES GARCONS 1998 Vintage grey cowl neck flutter seam 3D cut midi dress S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1998 Vintage grey cowl neck flutter seam 3D cut midi dress S Reference: PYCN/A00099 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: SS1998 Material: Ray...
Comme des Garcon Padded Black Lace / Tulips Raw Edge Future of Silhouette Dress
By Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comme des Garcons black padded floral lace dress adorned with raw edges. Zip closure at back. Composition: 65% cotton 35% nylon From the collection of "Future of the Silhouette....
Comme Des Garcons Navy Dress With Knit Ribbed Top And Crushed Velvet Skirt 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons navy dress from 1997–98, a refined example of the brand's exploration of texture, proportion, and understated deconstruct...
$1,056Sale Price|20% Off
COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black nylon cotton halter bias skirt dress
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS 1980s Vintage black nylon cotton halter bias skirt dress Reference: CRTI/A00647 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Material: Rayon, C...
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's mock neck asymmetric peplum midi dress M
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1980's mock neck asymmetric peplum midi dress M Reference: CRTI/A00603 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1980s Color: Black Patter...
COMME DES GARCONS Vintage nude black sheer overlay A-line dress S Cindy Sherman
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
COMME DES GARCONS Vintage nude black sheer overlay A-line dress S Cindy Sherman Reference: PYCN/A00098 Brand: Comme Des Garcons As seen on: Cindy Sherman Material: Cotton, Blend Colo...
Y2K Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons Avant Garde Black Draped Asymmetric Dress
By Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons black avant garde draped dress. Partially lined, no closure (pulls on over the head). The marked size is medium. The bust measures 36"...
Comme des Garçons 'Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body' dress, ss 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
▪ Comme des Garçons 'Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body' dress ▪ Designed by Rei Kawakubo ▪ Museum piece ▪ Two-tone purple and green polyester organz...
Comme Des Garcons Burgundy Velvet Short Sleeve Dress With Gathers 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons burgundy velvet short sleeve dress from 1997, a refined expression of the brand's understated yet conceptual approach to ...
New 1997 Comme des Garcons "Rei of Light" Polkadot Black Dress
By Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking fabrication of black wool offset by sheer polkadot poly. From the 1997 A/W Comme des Garcons collection of which this style dress is shown in various versions on the ru...
Comme Des Garcons Black Tank Dress With Wool Top Fw 2000-2001
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons black tank dress with a wool top from the Fall 2000-2001 collection, featuring a tie detail under the bust, a sem...
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1996 blue pinstripe brown floral devore A-line dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1996 blue pinstripe brown floral devore A-line dress S Reference: CRTI/A00414 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1996 Material: Woo...
Comme des Garçons Dress Made From Vintage Scarves with Ruffled Bands, FW 2011
By Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Comme des Garçons, Fall-Winter 2011: A dress constructed from vintage scarves in an array of vibrant patterns and colors, including red, blue, gold, and purple, juxtaposed with black...
1990S COMME DES GARCONS Red & White Cotton Hand-Painted Patchwork Muslin Dress
By Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
1990S COMME DES GARCONS Red & White Cotton Hand-Painted Patchwork Muslin Dress From 1995
Runway COMME DES GARCONS Vintage brown velvet floral mesh coat corset skirt S
By Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in Hong Kong, NT
Runway COMME DES GARCONS Vintage brown velvet floral mesh coat corset skirt S Reference: CRTI/A00585 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 2001 - Runway Materi...
Comme des Garçons dress by Rei Kawakubo Winter 2019
By Comme des Garçons
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
COMME DES GARÇONS - 2019 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Rei Kawakubo. Navy-blue blaze-like trompe l'oeil dress, long flounced dress with a flow...
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1996 blue pinstripe brown floral devore A-line dress S
By Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage COMME DES GARCONS 1996 blue pinstripe brown floral devore A-line dress S Reference: CRTI/A00414 Brand: Comme Des Garcons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection: 1996 Material: Woo...
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Comme des Garçons 2000’s Black and Gold Polka Dot Sheer Long Dress-Size Small
By Comme des Garçons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Comme des Garçons Black and Gold Polka Dot Sheer Mesh Long Dress - Size Small This early 2000’s sheer black and gold polka dot long dress is a really showstopper. 20+ years later the...
Comme des Garcons Rare "Limited Edition" Black Deconstructed Embroidered Dress
By Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
Comme des Garcons "Limited Edition" "Masterpiece" black Deconstructed dress/top accented with hand-embroidered top stitching throughout. Made of lightweight black spring wool, th...
Comme Des Garcons Black Half Dress With Brown Velvet Panels 1998
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons black half dress from the 1998 collection, featuring brown velvet panels, sheer paneling on one side, and asymmet...
Comme des Garçons dress winter 2008
By Comme des Garçons
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
COMME DES GARÇONS - (Made in Japan) Long dress made of a black wool suit-style skirt with buttons, and an openwork top held with pleated ribbons. Size M indicated. 2008 Fall-Winter C...
Comme Des Garcons Navy Lace Anglaise Overlay Shift Dress 1999
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons navy lace anglaise overlay shift dress from the 1999 collection featuring a high neckline, sleeveless, fitted bod...
Comme Des Garcons Silver Sequin Asymmetrical Cocktail Dress 2000
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons silver sequin cocktail dress with rainbow reflections, featuring an asymmetrical neckline and hem, a sleeveless b...
Comme Des Garcons Black Sheer Front Concept Dress 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garcons black dress featuring a sheer front, back zipper, and structured paneling around the back and side of the dress. ...
$650Sale Price|51% Off
Vintage Comme des Garcons Black Embroidered Halter Dress AW 1999
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Comme des Garcons black halter dress featuring all over white floral embroidery and multi-color red, burgundy, and rust brown felted ...
Comme Des Garcons Black & Lace Abstract Top 1997
By Comme des Garçons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garcons black woven top featuring lace insets, high round neckline, deconstructed bodice, darts, and hip length. From the...