Inside Comme de Garçons: Tao Kurihara’s Latest Runway Show
Every weekday morning, the streets of Omotesando transform into a vibrant tapestry of fashion and style. Beyond the typical office attire, one can observe the distinctive ensembles of the Comme de Garçons apprentice crowd, characterized by poofy skirts, pearl-button suits, and chunky sneakers. The destination for these fashion-forward individuals is the Comme de Garçons headquarters in Aoyama.
The Venue: A Sanctuary of Creativity
The unique atmosphere of the Comme de Garçons office creates a welcoming yet avant-garde environment. Here, on the seventh floor, Tao Kurihara presents her meticulously curated 9 am runway show each season. This space not only serves as a platform for emerging talent but also resonates deeply with Kurihara’s artistic vision, making it a fitting location for her collection presentation.
Innovative Design Elements
This season, Kurihara introduced a creative challenge by incorporating materials previously unexplored in her designs, such as faux leather, metallic fabrics, and sequins. The collection, aptly named “Black and Gold,” featured a striking array of designs:
- Shiny black garments, including a unique skirt with paneling.
- Embroidered floral vests that added a colorful touch.
- Button-up shirts and T-shirts with accents of white, contrasted against the dark palette.
- Gold tones present in skirts and Mary Jane shoes, providing a subtle luminosity.
Shifts in Aesthetic: From Black and Gold to Baroque
The runway experience swiftly transitioned from the initial black and gold theme to a more dynamic exploration of scarlet-toned velvet paired with plaid. Collaborative pieces included jewelry crafted by Rovechrome, utilizing silver and gold comb designs to further enrich the collection. The show culminated in baroque-inspired prints intermingled with tulle, resulting in garments adorned with delicate frills and motifs reminiscent of opulent Rococo styles.
Insight from the Designer
Post-show, Kurihara revealed her thoughts on the collection’s inspiration: “The prints and elements were not consciously meant to reference Rococo menswear,” she clarified. “It all came together in a spontaneous manner.” When prompted about color choice, she remarked, “Red? I thought it was necessary for the collection.” Kurihara aimed for a distinct emotional response, hoping to evoke a sense of excitement and resonance: “I wanted to create something that would make people think, ‘Yeah!'”
Commercial Yet Wearable
The essence of Kurihara’s vision remains rooted in artistic authenticity rather than commercial viability. This creative integrity results in designs that, while innovative, retain everyday wearability. As autumn approaches, it’s anticipated that both the residents of Omotesando and the fans of Tao Kurihara will embrace her latest creations, seamlessly integrating the golden skirts and floral coats into their daily routines.