Comme des Garçons

The brand essence

Comme des Garçons exists in a sphere of its own. No other brand has managed to provoke such a spectrum of reactions that range from surprise and adulation to confusion and outrage. The label, founded in Tokyo in 1969 by Rei Kawakubo, is now an international phenomenon and a thriving business. However, despite the worldwide success of Comme des Garçons , the brand´s philosophy is anything but conventional.

The brand has reached iconoclastic status as it sets its own rules without taking into account market trends and competitors. In fashion, preconceived ideas of beauty and prevailing trends are swept away in what is sometimes referred to as “anti-fashion”. Comme des Garçons fragrances are also known for their disregard of conventional industry techniques. Each unmistakable scent explores the boundaries with alternative ingredients such as tar and ink.

The fragrances

“Comme des Garçons perfume is just another way to express the Comme de Garçons feeling.” (Rei Kawakubo)

If Comme des Garçons is the anti-fashion brand then Comme des Garçons Parfums is the alternative to fragrance. In an industry that is saturated with fragrances that all smell the same, Comme des Garçons’ creative and innovative perfumes contrast starkly against the mainstream. Comme des Garçons fragrances have nothing to do with seduction and everything to do with creating a comfortable space around the wearer where he or she is free to create their own images and impressions.

“Perfume is not particularly conceived for either men or women. It is designed for one’s self; that is for every self.”
(Rei Kawakubo)

Just as Rei Kawakubo undermines the importance of gender in her fashion, Comme des Garçons fragrances are also free from gender restrictions. The fragrances are simply for the people who feel good wearing them.

In 2003, Comme des Garçons Parfums signed an agreement with Puig to distribute the Comme des Garçons 2 and Comme des Garçons 2 MAN fragrances maintaining the unique spirit of the brand. Comme des Garçons 8 88, launched in 2008, it’s the latest collaboration to date.