Junya Watanabe is a Japanese fashion designer, initially discovered by Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo. He was born in 1961 and was trained in Japan at the Bunka Fashion College, Tokyo. He graduated in 1984 before beginning an aprentaship with Commes des Garcons as a patternmaker. He eventually became a designer for the Commes des Garcons Homme line. Since 1992 he has worked under his own name but as part of the Commes des Garcons company. 'Junya Wantanabe Commes des Garcons' has been showing in Paris since 1993.
Wantanabe's work is known to be outlandish and innovative. He has a tenancy to work with technologically advanced fabrics and materials to push the boundaries and explore new shapes. It tends to be more structured and his style has been referred to as 'Techno couture'.
Wantanbe's most noted collaboration is with ALL STAR Converse to create a rang of footwear that featured bold print and innovative textile choices.
He is also famous for his cryptic statements, often leaving reporters with confusing phrases after shows such as "Anti. Anarchy. Army" after a military inspired show. He told Vogue in 2006 that "Sometimes, I would like a little bit more feedback. Criticism is better than silence."
Overall I feel that Wantanbe's work is very in line with the rest of the Comme de Garcons brand and he is the perfect compliment. His work is very clean and efficient whilst still working to push boundaries and supply the industry with a constant stream of fresh ideas. His work may not necessarily be to my taste and I would not purchase it myself but I can definitely appreciate the craftsmanship, skill and knowledge involved and admire it.
No comments:
Post a Comment