The Vision Behind Comme des Garcons and Rei Kawakubo Rei Kawakubo founded Comme des Garcons in 1969. Her approach reshaped the fashion world during the early Paris shows of the 1980s. Critics first described her work as dark, raw, and unfinished. That reaction proved the point. Kawakubo rejected polished glamour and focused on form, emotion, and imperfection. She does not design to please. She designs to express ideas. This mindset turned Comme des Garcons into a reference point for designers, stylists, and fashion students worldwide. Many luxury houses later borrowed concepts that Kawakubo introduced decades earlier. Rei Kawakubo remains deeply involved in the brand. Her leadership keeps Comme des Garcons honest and unpredictable.