Junya Watanabe, Rock and Roll and Denim

The designer Junya Watanabe cut his teeth with the emblematic Japanese brand Comme des Garçons at the end of the 1980s, quickly becoming the protégé of founder Rei Kawakubo. In 1992 he launched his own line, appealing immediately with his atypical approach and avant-gardist conception of the integration of technology and fashion.

Watanabe is renowned for his use of colour. He plays with materials and new ways of cutting, stitching and draping. The Japanese designer has mastered the art of combining traditional clothing with contemporary fashion, giving way to unique and exquisite pieces.

Junya Watanabe presented his new collection during Paris Fashion Week which took place from 25 September until 3 October 2018. He may be used to it by now, but his show was met with unanimous praise making it into the Vogue ‘Top 10 Collections of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2019’. This season the Japanese designer called upon his two passions, rock and denim. His new deconstructed silhouettes are both romantic and rock, with an elusive allure bestowed upon the wearer. While Watanabe often appears to still be in the shadow of his mentor Kawakubo, his own reputation is nonetheless increasing internationally.