Dot Comme

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>> “Everything comes from Comme,” said a fashion editor when we were having a conversation about the number of collections that have had more than a nod of a reference to Rei Kawakubo’s extensive archives.  The quote might be more of an exaggeration that a truth, but it might account for why I’m constantly drawn to accumulating Comme des Garçons pieces – they have a timeless quality.  No, not “timeless” in the way that people use it when thinking about a black Chanel suit or a some 1950s cinched-in-waist ball gown, but in the way that Comme pieces exist in their own time vacuum.  They’re often conceived so far ahead of its time, with references that are so abstract, that they operate within their own parameters.  My Comme collecting is mainly done through eBay (just beware of the fakes) and in Tokyo, when I can go mad in the myriad of designer consignment stores.

Comme accumulation is entirely possible from your bedroom though as Holly-Rose Butler and her partner Octavius La Rosa, have been selling their collection of rare archival Comme des Garçons pieces on their site aptly named dot.COMME.  They’ve also got pieces from other designers that operate in that similar “timeless” space – Yohji Yamaoto, Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake and in a slightly less cerebral, but nonetheless happy-go-lucky vein, is an extensive archive of Walter van Beirendonck pieces.  I’m gutted that I missed what was, by all accounts a brilliant exhibition on Beirendonck’s work at Antwerp’s MOMU but the joy lives on not only in his current collections but also in the extensive buyable archives collected at establishments like dot.Comme and House of Liza in London.

The thing about dot.Comme selection in both menswear and womenswear is that nothing feels throwaway or lightweight.  They are seminal showpieces aplenty and Butler and La Rosa take great care in detailing the originating collections and amply photographing every piece to show them in their best light.  I also love their Tumblr page, which delves deeper into the image context of their roster of designers.  I might to think about curbing my Rag Tag in Tokyo habit if dot.Comme ends up luring me in.

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22 comments

  1. Pingback: My Feedly: Dot Comme | Your Personal Shopping

  5. Although I respect Kawakubo endlessly and many of her choices were great – this site is a truly remarkable step forward for Comme des Garçons (and other brands available, but Comme especially). Just to show talent and the power of good word is not what a designer should rely on – this makes CDG approachable and intensively available. Maybe some younger colleagues could learn something…
    Khm… Christopher Kane… Khm…

    Do you have any information, is Rei Kawakubo and her team firmly connected to this project or not?

    1. ps. after browsing through dot comme, I’m just a bit disappointed in the fact they strictly distinguished menswear from womenswear… In the case of Kawakubo, Miyake, Watanabe, I feel gender falls secondary, so for the sake of aestheticism – maybe I’d like it more if it was conjoined.

  11. This is a really interesting concept for a website. On another note, I’d be interested in hearing about your techniques for collecting fashion online, specifically how you distinguish authentic pieces from the fakes. Although of course I don’t know if you want to divulge your secrets!

  14. Those patchwork pants are so cool. I love the gold flecked jacket from Issey Miyake, on the website. The pieces are a lot of money, but they seem reasonable for what they are. I can’t wait to explore it more (and get inspired!) AND maybe even save up for a piece!
    http://rhinestonemoon.blogspot.com/

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  18. The clothes are beautiful, but the models don’t match the brand at all… especially the female model. Their body type, facial features and expressions don’t go with the garments, and I’d quite prefer to see these on hangers.

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