Rei Kawakubo, nicknamed the “Architect of Anti-Fashion”, continues to fascinate the auction market. From groundbreaking deconstructivist creations to avant-garde collaborations, every piece Comme des Garçons embodies the unique philosophy of this master couturier: the perfect alliance between conceptual art and radical innovation.
Why are Comme des Garçons creations so sought-after at auction?
A unique, revolutionary artistic vision
Self-taught with no formal training in design, Rei Kawakubo brings a deeply intuitive vision to fashion. This approach enables her to design garments that not only challenge convention, but completely redefine dress codes with remarkable audacity.
International institutional recognition
Since the exhibition “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2017, the creations have acquired international artistic legitimacy. This consecration marks only the second time that the Met has devoted an exhibition to a living designer, definitively elevating these pieces to the status of works of art.
A timeless conceptual blend
From her beginnings in 1969 to the present day, Kawakubo has harmoniously blended deconstruction, Zen poetry and avant-garde. This approach makes her creations timeless and highly collectible, transcending mere fashion trends.
Philosophy of the “in-between”: a conceptual masterpiece
Kawakubo transforms each garment into a philosophical exploration through the Zen concepts of Mu (emptiness) and Ma (space). These creations are not mere garments but veritable “objects for the body”, creating a disturbing aesthetic of visual ambiguity.
Comme des Garçons’ most popular collections at auction
1. Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body Collection (1997)
The most iconic collection, also known as “Lumps and Bumps” or “Quasimodo”.
Signature pieces:
- Dresses with deformable organic padding
- Creations questioning Western beauty ideals
- Pieces that inspired Merce Cunningham
Auction prices: €4,500 – €11,000 and more
2. Destroy” collection (1982)
The deconstructivist revolution that shook Paris.
Iconic models :
- Torn sweaters and intentionally aged fabrics
- Shaped holes resembling lace
- Controversial “Hiroshima chic” aesthetic
Auction price: €2,000 – €6,000
3. Broken Bride” collection (2005)
A subversive, Victorian-inspired exploration of nuptial rites.
Features :
- Deconstructed wedding dresses
- Anti-conservative aesthetics
- Unstructured veils and accessories
Auction price: €3,000 – €8,000
4. Not Making Clothes Collection (2014)
Transcendence from traditional clothing to body art.
Distinctive style :
- “Bodywear rather than clothing
- Abstract shapes and three-dimensional structures
- Naive and experimental approach
Auction price: €5,000 – €15,000
5. Supreme and Nike collaborations (2000-2020)
A fusion of avant-garde haute couture and contemporary streetwear.
Editions wanted :
- Supreme hoodies, t-shirts and jackets
- Nike limited edition sneakers
- Iconic Play x Converse pieces
Auction price: €150 – €6,250
What are the prices of Comme des Garçons creations at auction?
Prices vary according to several criteria:
Item type: Runway pieces vs. diffusion lines
Condition: Vintage creations in excellent condition
Rarity : Limited productions and unique prototypes
Provenance : Documentation and certified authenticity
Historical significance : Museum and cultural recognition
Observed price ranges :
- Conceptual catwalk pieces : 5,000 – €25,000 and more
- Iconic vintage collections : 2 000 – 15 000 €
- Limited collaborations : 150 – 6 250 €
- Play line and accessories : 100 – 1 500 €
Recent documented sales :
- Rare knit sweater (1983-84) : 4 750 $ – acquired by a museum
- Lumps and Bumps dress (1997) : 4 500 € – specialized sale
- Sun Dot” dress (2007) : 11 000 £ – international auctions
- Broken Bride” set (2005) : 4 200 $ – luxury market
- Ensemble Supreme collaborations : 6 250 $ – prestigious sale
How do you sell your Comme des Garçons items at auction?
You own creations Comme des Garçons and would like to present them at auction? The market is currently very favorable, with growing demand for avant-garde Japanese fashion and wearable art pieces.
📌 Get a free estimate and maximize the value of your creations before putting them up for auction. Today’s market offers great opportunities to sell your treasures Comme des Garçons.
➡️ Contact us for a free and confidential estimate of your Comme des Garçons pieces.
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