Comme des Garçons Spring 2021

For the first time in years, Comme des Garçons opted to host its Spring 2021 show in Tokyo rather than Paris, due to ongoing pandemic. And quite a show it was. Rei Kawakubo focused on the concept of Dissonance, offering up the thought that, “The human brain always looks for harmony and logic. When logic is denied, when there is dissonance a powerful moment is created which leads you to feel an inner turmoil and tension that can lead to finding positive change and progress.”

Most notable of Comme des Garçons’ Spring 2021 show were the shapes: bulky, bubble-like and burdensome in the best possible way, these are the kind of garments meant to be worn as statements of intent, and perfectly fit for socially distancing.

There were crinolines and geometric-flared coats, and also, transparent plastic films. Micky Mouse prints and echos of graffiti. A little bit wacky, a little bit realist, Kawakubo managed to pull inspiration from the everyday and the extreme.