When you think of avant-garde, what is in your mind? Avant-garde can be people or works that presents unusual ideas. In fashion, avant-garde designers changed the way how people think of fashion, and presented a new way of looking at world. Barbara I Gongini, an avant-garde fashion designer said, “Avant-garde can be viewed as experimental because it has something to do with constantly being on the edge, thinking forward and exploring new possibilities.” Using fabric is not only way to make clothes, it’s possible to use materials that are not normally for making clothes, that’s all about experimental.
We may not know who is the first avant-garde designer in fashion term, but it’s great to know these avant-garde fashion brands, and what they brought to us.
1
Yohji Yamamoto
For whom interested in fashion, it’s impossible that you didn’t know about Yohji. This is an avant-garde fashion brand created by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. Designer Yohji Yamamoto was born in 1943, he attended and graduated from Bunka college with degree of fashion design. he changed the idea of women’s fashion during that time, and make men’s clothes for women. The first collection was held in Paris in 1981, oversized, deconstruction garments womenswear brought people a new definition of fashion.
2
Comme Des Garçons
More people know Comme Des Garcons by PLAY, a heart logo with eyes collaborate with so many well known brands, such as Supreme, Converse, Anti-social, etc. Do you know what’s behind PLAY? The brand Comme des Garcons was created by Res Kawakubo (川久保 玲）in Tokyo, Japan. She is the founder of the brand, and Dover Street Market; a retailer store sells all Comme Des Garcons brands as long as high fashion brands. In her design, it’s not important whether female or male. She introduced unusual ideas, reshaped gender identification in fashion world.
3
Y-Project
You probably know the first two brands, but you may not hear of Y-project. I started to follow Y-project when I saw Sevdaliza, one of my favorite singer showed up with the new collection garment. Glenn Martens created the label Y-project after he worked under Jean Paul. Y-project is a unisex label founded in 2013, menswear with conventional cuts and unisex silhouettes.
4
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne, the founded of Vivienne Westwood was born on 1941, in Tintwistle. She moved to London when she was 17 years old, and studied at Harrow School of Art. Vivienne lately stated to making clothes, and designs for Malcolm Mclaren’s boutique. When punk was became a trend, Vivienne Westwood is almost responsible for all the punk looks during that time.
5
Rick Owens
Probably everyone knows and had purchase products from Rick Owens. Many fashion lovers are now wear Rick Owens from top to bottom, including all the accessories. Rick Owens, the brand founder is a American fashion designer, he launched his first collection in 1994 after he created from Parsons. From his aesthetic, you can tell he loves to use black, and white, grey, and nude colors. Every significance pair of shoes and garments shows us that minimalism could be fun and unique.
UNCONVENTIONAL/ AVANT-GARDE FASHION 