Every spring, on the first Monday in May, The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute hosts its annual Met Gala, and its theme is always based on the exhibit of the season. The Costume Institute has announced that the next season will be Rei Kawakubo/Comme Des Garcons. Kawakubo, a Japanese fashion designer and the founder of Comme Des Garcons, has been known to push the boundaries in fashion, constantly changing the way we think of everyday fashion and creation. Needless to say, I can't wait to see how fashion's finest decides to dress for next year's big event.
As one of fashion's most talked-about events of the year, the Met Gala attracts custom pieces from world-renowned designers that push the sky's limit of creativity and elegance. This past spring, the exhibit was Manus x Machina, which resulted in space-age themed attire and chrome metallics. Next year's exhibit will feature about 120 Comme Des Garcons womenswear pieces designed by Kawakubo which will date back to as early as the brand's first Paris fashion week show in 1981. Opening on Thursday, May 4, the exhibit will also be unlike those prior, as all of the pieces will be displayed at eye level without any barriers.
You might have heard of Comme Des Garcons, and if you haven't, have definitely, at the very least, seen the PLAY Comme Des Garcons hearts with eyes on various pieces, including those from their collaboration with Converse. However you might not know too much about Kawakubo herself.
Find out more about the Japanese designer to figure out what to expect when it comes time again for the fashion-filled Met Gala.
1. Kawakubo Is The Second Living Designer To Have A Met Gala Exhibit
She follows the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent, who had a Costume Institute exhibit in 1973.
2. She Was Never Trained As A Fashion Designer
Instead, she went to school for art and literature at Keio University.
3. Kawakuba Got Her Fashion Start In A Textile Factory
She took the factory position before working as a freelance stylist . Two years later, she started designing under the brand Comme Des Garcons.
4. She Showed Her First Collection In Paris
Kawakubo's first collection debuted in 1981 during Paris Fashion Week. By then, she had already accumulated a massive fan base.
5. Her Designs Have Become A Huge Influence On Others
In some ways, Kawakubi started a fashion revolution creating what was strong and beautiful. Many designers, including Junya Watanabe, have named her as one of their inspirations.
Kawakubo continues to be an inspiration for designers and fashion fanatics alike, which makes her the perfect choice for the Met's iconic exhibit.
