Comme des Garçons, which means 'Like Boys' in French, was founded in Tokyo in 1969 by designer Rei Kawakubo. With no formal training in fashion, Kawakubo's background in art and literature heavily influenced her design philosophy. The brand debuted its first collection in 1973 and quickly gained a reputation for challenging traditional notions of beauty and fashion. In 1981, Comme des Garçons presented its first show in Paris, shocking the fashion world with deconstructed garments, asymmetrical silhouettes, and monochromatic color schemes, predominantly black. The collection was dubbed 'Hiroshima chic' by critics, but it established Kawakubo as a revolutionary force in fashion. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Comme des Garçons expanded into various lines, including menswear, and launched several diffusion lines like Comme des Garçons Play, known for its iconic heart logo designed by Filip Pagowski. The brand also collaborated with other designers and artists, pushing the boundaries between fashion and art. Rei Kawakubo's approach is deeply conceptual, often exploring themes of identity, gender, and the imperfections of beauty. Her work has been exhibited in museums worldwide, and in 2017, she became the second living designer to be honored with a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Comme des Garçons has also been influential in retail innovation, opening Dover Street Market in London, Tokyo, and New York—multi-brand retail spaces that curate a mix of established and emerging designers in a unique environment. Despite its avant-garde reputation, Comme des Garçons has achieved commercial success while maintaining its integrity and commitment to innovation. Rei Kawakubo continues to lead the brand, inspiring new generations of designers and challenging the conventions of the fashion industry.