Ensemble

Designer Junya Watanabe Japanese

Not on view

As a designer for Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe excelled by fusing Kawakubo's confrontational approach to traditional form with his own interest in historicism. This ensemble, from spring/summer 2003, of black cotton parachute fabric with nylon straps and buckles was inspired by the utility and mechanics of backpacks. Watanabe softens the aesthetic, which recalls the bondage and fetish wear of 1970s punk, with embroidered black butterflies. The delicate all-over pattern and puffed silhouette, achieved by tightening the straps, refers to the design and construction of late-18th century polonaise gowns.

Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese

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© 2020 Nicholas Alan Cope

Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese
Ensemble, Junya Watanabe (Japanese, born 1961), cotton, metal, Japanese

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