Comme des Garçons: " White Drama "

The Galliera Museum's extra-mural program continues at Les Docks - Cité de la Mode et du Design with two concurrently running exhibitions: one on Cristobal Balenciaga and the other on Rei Kawakubo.

My post for today is on Rei Kawakubo's exhibit. This is not an ordinary fashion show but instead an art installation, designed by Rei Kawakubo herself, where the viewer can enjoy the latest Comme des Garcons S/S 2012 collection, and have a closer look on the models on display.

Known for her unconventional creations, the founder and designer of Comme des Garçons has metamorphosed the classic fashion show and rewritten the codes of high fashion. In White Drama with its quasi-monochrome models, Rei Kawakubo dramatizes life's big events: birth, marriage, death and transcendence.

White Drama is whiteness - pure, ceremonial white of every hue; Blossoming flowers, layered handkerchiefs, white-flecked material, lace insets inspired by christening robes, an obi-bow belt, overcoats and tall hats reminiscent of the Holy Week processions in Seville, a wedding gown like the silky cocoon of an insect, opaque and sheer fabrics. White Drama is a masterful fashion architecture that transports the viewer to the unique world of Rei Kawakubo.

Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons White Drama

Spring / Summer 2012

© Pierre Antoine / Paris Musées

© Pierre Antoine / Paris Musées

© Pierre Antoine / Paris Musées

© Pierre Antoine / Paris Musées

Dress, silk satin, restraint bow © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Front hoop dress, silk satin organdy © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Jacket, silk rayon satin © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

 Cape coat, silk satin, nylon Leavers lace © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Dress silk, cotton broadcloth, silk rayon satin, birdcage © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons 

Sleeves and skirt, polyester nylon cotton, Leavers lace, beaded embroidery sleeves, hoop skirt

© Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

 Veil dress with sleeves, silk satin organdy, Leavers lace © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Hand painted dress by Oyama Enrico Isamu, silk wool gabardine

© Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Four hoop skirts, cotton nylon mesh lace, silk rayon satin

© Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Dress covered in flowers, polyester stretch tricot © Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Veil, cotton organdy, silk rayon organdy veil dress with flowers

© Jean-Francois José / Comme des Garçons S/S 2012

Courtesy Rei Kawakubo @ Comme des Garçons / Galliera Museum

White Drama is currently on view at Les Docks - Cité de la Mode et du Design, Paris
Curator: Olivier Saillard

April 13 - October 7, 2012
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