The highly anticipated spring/summer 2026 Comme des Garçons show took place in Paris’s Montparnasse, drawing a crowd of eager guests despite the autumn downpour outside. The office building, stripped bare during renovations, served as the backdrop for Rei Kawakubo’s latest collection, aptly named “After The Dust.” As the show began, models clad in Kawakubo’s avant-garde creations sashayed down the runway to the haunting acapella vocals of Fátima Miranda.
Kawakubo’s designs were a mix of textures and fabrics, with pieces that resembled cocooning columns, hessian and crochet ensembles, and oversized knots. The color palette was soft and tender, featuring shades of pink and earth tones. Each look seemed to tell a story of personal belongings gathered and bundled in a hurry, creating a dystopian yet captivating aesthetic. The finale dresses were a sight to behold, paired with headpieces that added a touch of surrealism to the collection.
Rei Kawakubo, the creative genius behind Comme des Garçons, has always been a trailblazer in the fashion industry. Since her debut in Paris in 1981, Kawakubo has challenged conventional norms and pushed boundaries with her thought-provoking designs. Her refusal to explain or justify her work has only added to the mystique surrounding her and her brand.
The upcoming joint retrospective of Kawakubo’s creations and those of the late Vivienne Westwood at Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Titled “Westwood | Kawakubo,” the exhibition will showcase a wide range of garments from both designers, offering a rare glimpse into their creative minds. From iconic pieces like Kawakubo’s “Body Meets Dress—Dress Meets Body” collection to Westwood’s punk-inspired creations, the exhibition is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts of all levels.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Rei Kawakubo and Vivienne Westwood at the NGV exhibition, where art and fashion collide in a spectacular display of creativity and innovation.
