Comme des Garçons’ Threads of Conflict: Kawakubo’s War and Peace Manifesto

A model wearing an original creation from the autumn winter 2025 2026 ready to wear mens collections from the house of Comme des Garçons Homme Plus

Dear Shaded Viewers,

In a striking juxtaposition of conflict and harmony, Comme des Garçons’ Fall/Winter 2025 menswear collection, unveiled just yesterday in Paris, presents a sartorial exploration of the eternal struggle between war and peace. Rei Kawakubo, the visionary behind the brand, has once again pushed the boundaries of conventional fashion, creating a collection that is both a commentary on our tumultuous times and a beacon of hope for an uncertain future.

The runway was transformed into a battlefield of ideas, where each piece served as a soldier in Kawakubo’s army of avant-garde design. Silhouettes oscillated between sharp, militaristic lines and flowing, pacifist drapes, creating a visual tension. Harsh, angular cuts reminiscent of body armor were softened by diaphanous layers, symbolizing the fragile nature of peace in a world poised for conflict..

Kawakubo’s palette was equally evocative, with somber blacks and greys representing the shadows of war, punctuated by bursts of white and pale blue – colors traditionally associated with peace and hope. This chromatic interplay served as a powerful metaphor for the light that can emerge from even the darkest of times.

Oversized, cocoon-like structures enveloped the models, perhaps suggesting a desire for protection in an unpredictable world. These voluminous forms were juxtaposed against sleek, streamlined pieces that spoke to the precision and discipline of military attire.

Textures played a crucial role in the narrative, with rough, distressed fabrics evoking the ravages of conflict, while smooth, lustrous materials hinted at the serenity of peacetime. The intermingling of these contrasting elements within single garments created a palpable tension, mirroring the complex relationship between war and peace.

Accessories were far from an afterthought, with headpieces that ranged from helmet-like constructions to flowing, veil-like creations. Footwear alternated between combat-ready boots and more delicate, almost ethereal designs, further emphasizing the collection’s dual nature.

As the models marched down the runway, their gait alternating between militant strides and more fluid movements, the audience was confronted with a powerful visual metaphor for the human condition – constantly torn between conflict and reconciliation, destruction and creation.

In this collection, Comme des Garçons has not only presented clothing but has also crafted a profound statement on the zeitgeist of our era. It serves as a reminder that fashion, at its best, can be a medium for expressing the most complex of human experiences and emotions. As we navigate through uncertain times, Kawakubo’s designs stand as a testament to the power of creativity to confront, question, and ultimately transcend the dichotomies that define our world.

Later,

Diane