Rei Kawakubo established Comme des Garçons in 1969 with the intention of offering women, “like boys”, clothing that offers mobility and comfort. The legendary designer studied fine art and aesthetics at Keio university in Tokyo. Voluminous, avant-garde shapes yield an unconventional and playful aesthetic that showcases deconstructed, couture fabrics often in black. Kawakubo has gained an array of prestigious awards over the years, inspiring numerous designers with her innovations, and currently boasts over 20 distinct lines and many memorable collaborations.