I Make Clothes For Strong Women

Over her 45-year career, Rei Kawakubo has radically transformed fashion. However, as the famously reclusive Comme des Garonsdesigner tells us, hers is an agonising creative process and the only way to move forward now is to never look back.

- Olivia Singer

A mid some of the world’s finest jewellery houses and hotels, is a discreet passageway that leads to Comme des Garçons’ home base. Tucked between the glittering facades of Piaget and Cartier is the brand’s European headquarters, where, contained within a splendid 18th-century building, its very ordinary decor is in stark contrast to the historic glamour of this Parisian square. Here the floors are unlacquered, lighting comes by way of neon strips and tables are of that plain wooden sort found in classrooms around the world. At the end of the room is a big glass window that gives a glimpse into the main office.