Comme des Garçons, one of the most influential fashion brands in the world, is known for its avant-garde designs and deep symbolism. Under the guidance of Rei Kawakubo, the brand has pushed boundaries and challenged traditional views of fashion. The Fall/Winter 2025 (FW25) collection continues this tradition, offering a series of designs that speak to both personal identity and social issues. Every piece in the collection carries a symbolic message, inviting deeper reflection from its audience. In this article, we will explore the symbolism embedded in Comme des Garçons’ FW25 collection and how it contributes to the conversation around fashion, art, and culture.
Fashion as a Form of Expression
In the world of comme des garcons, fashion is much more than just clothing; it is a form of expression. The FW25 collection continues this philosophy by presenting designs that tell stories through fabric, shape, and color. Each garment represents an idea or concept that speaks to the individual wearing it and to society at large. The use of symbolism in fashion allows designers to communicate complex emotions and messages without relying on words. By examining the choices made in the FW25 collection, we can better understand how fashion serves as a tool for personal and collective expression. The collection presents garments that go beyond traditional beauty, offering an opportunity for individuals to engage with fashion on a deeper level. In doing so, Comme des Garçons challenges the boundaries of what fashion is and what it can say about us.
The Use of Deconstructed Clothing
One of the most prominent symbolic features of the FW25 collection is the use of deconstructed clothing. Rei Kawakubo has long been known for deconstructing traditional silhouettes and reassembling them in unconventional ways. This deconstruction represents the breakdown of societal norms and conventions, challenging the idea of a “perfect” body or a “proper” outfit. In the FW25 collection, this technique is used to express themes of imperfection and transformation. The distorted shapes and frayed edges suggest that beauty is not confined to conventional standards. They invite the viewer to reconsider traditional notions of fashion, encouraging a deeper appreciation for individuality and the rawness of human expression. By breaking down clothing and reconstructing it, Comme des Garçons sends a powerful message about the freedom that comes from embracing flaws and imperfections.
Symbolism of Color Choices
The choice of colors in the FW25 collection is another way Comme des Garçons communicates symbolism. While the brand often uses a limited color palette, the specific colors chosen are rarely random. Each color carries its own cultural or emotional significance, adding layers of meaning to the designs. For instance, shades of red are often used to symbolize passion, anger, or love. In contrast, darker tones such as black and navy can represent mystery, power, or mourning. The juxtaposition of bold and muted colors in the FW25 collection creates a tension that mirrors the complexities of human emotions. By playing with color in this way, Comme des Garçons invites the viewer to interpret the garments in their own unique way. The colors not only contribute to the aesthetic of the collection but also serve as visual cues that enhance the symbolic messages being conveyed.
The Role of Androgyny in Fashion
Androgyny plays a significant role in the symbolism of the FW25 collection, reflecting a growing movement towards gender fluidity in society. Comme des Garçons has always been at the forefront of challenging gender norms, and this collection is no different. The clothing in the FW25 collection is intentionally gender-neutral, featuring designs that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. This approach symbolizes the rejection of binary gender classifications and promotes inclusivity. By blurring the lines between traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” clothing, the brand encourages self-expression that is not confined by societal expectations. This symbolic choice speaks to the larger cultural shift towards gender equality and fluidity. In a world where people are increasingly questioning traditional gender roles, Comme des Garçons’ FW25 collection offers a visual representation of this social change.
Use of Layers and Complexity
Another striking feature of the FW25 collection is the use of layers and complex structures in the garments. This layering technique symbolizes the complexity of human identity and the multiple layers that make up a person’s character. Just as we have different facets to our personalities—such as our public persona, private thoughts, and hidden emotions—fashion can reflect this complexity. The FW25 collection uses layers of fabric, often with varying textures, to convey this idea. By combining multiple materials and styles in a single outfit, the garments reflect the intricate and multifaceted nature of human beings. This complexity in design challenges the oversimplification of identity and encourages individuals to embrace the full spectrum of who they are. In this way, Comme des Garçons’ layering serves as both a visual and philosophical commentary on the complexity of existence.
Reimagining Traditional Garments
Rei Kawakubo’s work often involves reimagining traditional garments in ways that challenge their original purpose or meaning. In the FW25 collection, we see this reimagining through the transformation of classic garments such as suits, coats, and dresses. By deconstructing these familiar items, Comme des Garçons subverts their original intent and gives them new life and meaning. For example, a coat may be altered to appear oversized or asymmetrical, breaking away from the conventional notion of elegance and propriety. This transformation of familiar clothing into something entirely new symbolizes a rebellion against the established norms of fashion and society. It reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to exploring how clothing can transcend its basic function and become a tool for self-expression and social commentary. Through these reimagined garments, Comme des Garçons invites individuals to rethink their own relationship to tradition and fashion.
The Influence of Cultural References
Comme des Garçons often incorporates cultural references into its collections, using symbolism drawn from https://us-ericemanuel.com/ various art forms, history, and global traditions. In the FW25 collection, we can observe influences from diverse cultures and time periods. For example, elements of traditional Japanese dress, such as kimono-inspired silhouettes, can be seen in some of the garments. At the same time, there are nods to European fashion history, particularly from the 20th century, when fashion became more experimental and abstract. By weaving these cultural references into the designs, Comme des Garçons connects the present with the past, creating a dialogue between different cultural expressions. This mix of influences symbolizes the fluidity and interconnectedness of global culture. It also reflects the brand’s belief in fashion as a universal language, one that can transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.
Fashion as Social Commentary
Ultimately, the FW25 collection serves as a form of social commentary, using fashion to address societal issues such as inequality, identity, and the pressure to conform. Comme des Garçons has always been a brand that speaks to the world’s pressing concerns, and this collection continues that tradition. Through symbolic elements like deconstructed clothing, gender-neutral designs, and complex layering, the brand comments on the struggles of modern life. The pieces in the FW25 collection are not just meant to be worn—they are meant to be understood, questioned, and appreciated for their deeper meanings. By using fashion as a tool for social commentary, Comme des Garçons encourages individuals to think critically about the world around them. The collection invites people to engage with fashion in a way that goes beyond superficiality and challenges them to consider the messages embedded in every garment.
