Announced in January during the runway show for Comme des Garçons Shirt‘s Fall/Winter 2021 collection, the collaboration with the artist Kaws is finally available.
At the Origins of the Collaboration
Swirling around for nearly 20 years, the collection presented to you today is the result of a natural evolution for both sides.
In 2004, the artist and Rei Kawakubo‘s label collaborated on a toy featured in the Colette Meets Comme des Garçons concept store. This was followed by a capsule in 2007 around some T-shirts and CDG Wallets. In 2014, a Pharrell Williams-stamped fragrance overseen by Comme des Garçons Parfums, and in 2019 to celebrate 15 years of Dover Street Market.
These connections bring us to the most important collaboration CDG Shirt x KAWS to date.
Over the past few years, contemporary artist Kaws has partnered with big names in fashion, lifestyle and culture. One thinks of Uniqlo, Astro Boy, Supreme… In his own words, the collaborations are done on instinct, following a personal taste rather than a business. And it allows him to introduce his work to a new audience.
What about work then?
The CDG Shirt x Kaws Collaboration
Generally more colorful and “playful” than other labels, CDG Shirt is known as the playground of the Rei Kawakubo universe. The current collaboration is obviously no exception.
Playful graphics are found on all pieces. The famous “Chum” character, inspired by the Michelin man, can be found in the center of a French-made shirt.
The lettering of the CDG label is all cartoonish through various pieces in pastel pink and green colors.
Hoodies, T-shirts, shirts and accessories go through the “Kaws” filter, and the New York-based artist has a blast with the label’s basics.
The prints thus mix iconic designs, the “Companion” and “Chum” character, as well as new work and reinterpretation of previous collaborations.
A bold, colorful, obvious collection.
