Dear Shaded Viewers,
In a groundbreaking move that marries avant-garde fashion with sustainability, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons teams up with Swiss innovators FREITAG for a unique project. Launching on December 1, 2023, this collaboration is not just another fashion trend, but a testament to the longstanding commitment of both brands to redefine the boundaries of design and environmental consciousness.
For decades, Rei Kawakubo has been an icon of fearless fashion, pushing the limits with her designs. Her connection with FREITAG isn’t born out of mere admiration but a shared ethos. Kawakubo, having used FREITAG bags for over twenty years, finds a kindred spirit in the brand’s dedication to upcycling and sustainability.
This partnership brings to life a limited-edition collection of bags that speaks volumes of both brands’ heritage. Crafted in Japan from upcycled truck tarpaulins supplied by FREITAG, these bags are not just accessories; they are statements. Each piece encapsulates FREITAG’s innovative approach to recycling and Kawakubo’s unorthodox design language.
The collaboration extends beyond the products to the retail experience. Select Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market stores will house unique pop-ups, also conceived by Kawakubo, transforming retail spaces into immersive experiences that narrate FREITAG’s rich history and its journey in circularity.
This union is a celebration of heritage and innovation. Comme des Garçons, established in 1969, and FREITAG, founded in 1993, both disruptors in their respective fields, have consistently challenged norms. FREITAG’s commitment to circularity, as evidenced by their ongoing research and future projects like the fully recyclable backpack, aligns seamlessly with Kawakubo’s philosophy of transcending transient trends.
As Adrian Joffe, CEO of CDG International, eloquently puts it, this collaboration is more than a sum of its parts. It’s a fusion of minds and values, resonating deeply with the current need for sustainable solutions in fashion.
As we anticipate the launch of the “Holidays with FREITAG” collection, it’s clear that this collaboration is not just about creating products. It’s about setting a precedent, a dialogue between fashion and sustainability, where each complements the other, paving the way for a more conscious and creative future.
