“ReFUSING FASHION: REI KAWAKUBO” by Harold Koda, Sylvia Lavin, Marsha Miro, Rei Kawakubo

Often compared to the audacious and innovative Yohji Yamamoto, fashion experts discuss the defining characteristics of Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons in this book of compiled essays. Known as an iconoclast who wanted to provoke the world through fantasy, Kawakubo began her journey in the fashion industry as a stylist. In 1969, she opened her own clothing company, Comme des Garçons in Tokyo, Japan. Her Refusal to submit to the canons of fashion has inspired and shocked critics all around the world, paving the way for the next generation of trendsetters.

“Yohji Yamamoto”

By Terry Jones

Editor-in-chief of i-D magazine Terry Jones has curated photographs for fashion devotees some of Yohji Yamamoto’s most awe-inspiring works. The book offers readers a closer look at the fashion designer, Yohji Yamamoto. Yamamoto’s love for function and minimalism ranges from subtle allusions to outrageous manipulation of fabric landscaping. Critics have praised Yamamoto for being able to marry modernism with creativity without resorting to vulgar theatrics. The book also features celebrated images styled by fashion editors such as Edward Enninful (fashion director of i-D magazine), Anna Dello Russo (editor-at-large for Vogue Japan), and more.

This story was originally published by The Daily of the University of Washington.