For those in the know, the names Rei Kawakubo and the Comme des Garcons SHIRT brand are synonymous with a certain fashion sensibility; one that eschews trends, norms and the status quo to offer up not only an uncompromised vision for fashion but a unique business model that encompasses over 17 departments, sub-labels, and retail ventures. One of the most influential fashion houses of all time, Comme des Garcons was established by Kawakubo in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Meaning ‘like the boys’ in French, Comme des Garcons – often shortened to CdG – has constantly been pushing and reshaping the boundaries of what the world considers ‘fashion’ since its catwalk debut in 1981. Drawing inspiration from punk and underground subcultures, history and folklore, and everything in between, the relentless innovation of Kawakubo and her design team has kept the brand constantly and consistently relevant to the fashion landscape; a claim that few, if any, others can lay claim to. Keeping production in Japan as much as possible, Kawakubo herself still heads up the majority of the brand’s multitude of diffusion lines, including the men’s ready-to-wear line, Comme des Garcons SHIRT.

As the name may suggest, the Comme des Garcons SHIRT brand uses the traditional man’s shirt as an anchor for its design ethos, but, in true CdG style, plays with the notion in surprising and unexpected ways. Exaggerated cuts, unusual material choices and distressed detailing all play a big role in the CdG SHIRT aesthetic, transforming what might ordinarily be part of a daily uniform into a unique artwork in itself.

At the more casual end of the spectrum, CdG SHIRT also produces its own takes on casual staples like t-shirts and hoodies, with their own label-within-a-label Comme des Garcons SHIRT Boys. Displaying the same idiosyncratic design approach and attention to detail of the main collection, CdG SHIRT Boys employs hand-finished branding and distressing, lending the pieces a streetwear sensibility that’s aimed at a younger audience, while still channeling the same punk spirit as all of Kawakubo’s work.

Aphrodite is delighted to welcome Comme des Garcons SHIRT and Comme des Garcons SHIRT Boys to our curated lineup of the world’s best menswear brands. Look out for more additions to our collection in-store and online.