By Uhla Baltierre
At the Commes Des Garcons menswear, spring/summer 2023 show the classic approach to menswear takes a back seat showcasing outlandish coats pants, and shoes. The idea behind this from designer Rej Kawakubo was to pay hommage to both the court jester and “another kind of punk”. The show to me as an on looker was definitely confusing to start with the silly masks and loud prints but it became very clear the intention behind it was to be confusing but also whimsical.
Courtesy of Commes des Garcons
To me, this evokes the same feelings of unease as a villain under the guise of a performer in a movie seemingly alright on the surface but unknown beneath. This is only heightened by the background music of a horror movie soundtrack putting one even more on edge. The more wearable segment of the show still included gaudy eyecatching prints and bright colors to really capture your interest. The pale pink and yellow tartan brought out the unrest that was presented to me by this runway. Brining up the runway the use of it in the way of an obstacle for some of the models that have to wait or simply not walk on it at all adds to the ambiance of discomfort intended by Kawakubo. Another additive to the offput nature is the thrown-together nature of the wigs seemingly not even covering some of the model’s hair. The prevalent use of hoops in this show should also be talked about this creates a bouncy silly silhouette much like a clown.
Courtesy of Commes des Garcons
The use of the clown “aesthetic” is unlikely unflatter but not unintruiging creating the buz necessary to properly launch the line.
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Courtesy of Commes des Garcons
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