Comme des Garçons was started in Tokyo by Rei Kawakubo in 1969. Their 1981 debut show in Paris created a storm of controversy for its predominate use of black and distressed fabrics. Throughout the 1980s, their clothes were often monochromatic, asymmetrical and draped over the body. CDG (along with Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake) attacked established notions that clothing had to be sexy, colourful and beautiful.

Their long running collaborative project with Fred Perry continues to go from strength to strength, with the collection succesfully combining classic Fred Perry pieces with signature CDG styling.