Brand Story
Junya Watanabe (born 1961) is a Japanese fashion designer. He was mentored by Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo. He continues to work for Comme des Garçons; his atelier is located on the second floor of its Tokyo headquarters, and he produces four shows a year in Paris.
Excerpted from the brand's official website.
Timeline
- 1984
Joins Comme des Garçons
After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, Watanabe joins CdG as a pattern maker under Rei Kawakubo.
- 1992
Eponymous line launches
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons begins as a designer line within CdG's umbrella.
- 2001
Menswear line debuts
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man launches, anchored by deconstructed workwear and Americana.
- 2007
Levi's collaboration begins
Long-running Junya Watanabe × Levi's denim partnership starts — patchwork reconstructed denim becomes Watanabe's signature.