Suit thumbnail 1
Suit thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Suit

1990 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Comme des Garçons, French for 'like boys', is a Japanese fashion label headed by Rei Kawakubo, who is also its sole owner. The label was found by Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969 and established as a company in Japan in 1973, becoming successful there through the 1970s. Kawakubo's early collections, like Issey Miyake's, incorporated elements of traditional Japanese work-wear. Later collections were more radical and Comme des Garçons's 1981 debut show in Paris created a storm of controversy for its predominate use of black and distressed garment surfaces. Throughout the 1980s, Comme des Garçons's clothes were frequently monochromatic, asymmetrical and draped over the body, often featuring tears, holes and frayed edges.

Despite its clean lines and excellent tailoring, this ensemble still screams Kawabuko with its pairings of unlikely textiles and asymmetrical detailing. The vibrant geometric embroidery on the wearer's right lapel elegantly contrasts with circular, veiny design of the grey silk tie.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Tie
  • Trousers
  • Jacket
Brief description
Suit, navy wool jacket and trousers, grey silk tie, Comme des Garçons, Japan, 1990.
Credit line
Given by Mark Reed
Summary
Comme des Garçons, French for 'like boys', is a Japanese fashion label headed by Rei Kawakubo, who is also its sole owner. The label was found by Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969 and established as a company in Japan in 1973, becoming successful there through the 1970s. Kawakubo's early collections, like Issey Miyake's, incorporated elements of traditional Japanese work-wear. Later collections were more radical and Comme des Garçons's 1981 debut show in Paris created a storm of controversy for its predominate use of black and distressed garment surfaces. Throughout the 1980s, Comme des Garçons's clothes were frequently monochromatic, asymmetrical and draped over the body, often featuring tears, holes and frayed edges.

Despite its clean lines and excellent tailoring, this ensemble still screams Kawabuko with its pairings of unlikely textiles and asymmetrical detailing. The vibrant geometric embroidery on the wearer's right lapel elegantly contrasts with circular, veiny design of the grey silk tie.
Collection
Accession number
T.46:1 to 3-2011

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Record createdMarch 8, 2011
Record URL
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