The smARTORIALIST: Kingdom Comme [pt.2]

We’re revisiting Kindom Comme: the key choices that Comme des Garcons has made to become a luxe-hybrid brand. In the last installment [Part 1], I mentioned the Junya Watanabe Effect. For a little background info, Junya became an apprentice at Comme des Garcons in 1984, working as a patternmaker. Now, through several power moves, Junya became one of the most influential designers at the label — in fact, he’s responsible for much of the Homme line’s character.  Eventually he was given the appropriate title of “Rei’s Protege”.

Junya has a keen interest in using “technologically-advanced textiles and fabrics”, not to mention his use of cotton. [HOW CROSS-OVER is THAT!!]  Think back to some of Junya’s most noted contributions — they come in the form of collaborations. And whom does he collaborate with…Iconic Sneaker Brands. Converse, New Balance, Nike, and Vans all have been blessed by the Rei Protege’ (under eYe), just as runways in Paris and Milan have. And the whole time, Junya’s connection to Comme only strengthened, doing more exploration of patterns and male silhouettes with his label eYe and Comme des Garcons at the helm. “How did Comme benefit,” you ask. Well, they were provided with the PERFECT Petri dish to test nontraditional Comme des Garcons concepts…..like working with common treasures.

 

Stay tuned for Part 3 of Kingdom Comme, where we’ll discuss the positioning tactics Comme has used to broaden it’s luxe-hybrid market.

Greek 2 Chic: Picks of the Week

We’ve been holdin’ out on yall, yes, we know. Business has been craaaaazy, we’re just trying to stay ahead of the curve, ya dig.  Enough of the light talk, let’s get into it:

courtesy of Highsnobiety

The Indian Cap by Estate LA. MAAAAAAAAN! Tell me I’m not the only person who thinks this is LIVE as hell! Let me jog your memory…..do you remember those old Tootsie Pops? Do you remember the wrappers? The indian with the star??! YEA!!! All I know is, if i bought this hat, would I get a free one? Or a free Tootsie Pop at least?!

The Olympic Tee by Commonwealth + Stussy. A couple months ago in an Urban Graduate Post, I mentioned T-shirt Man and his ’68 Olympic tee. Well, I think the people at both Commonwealth & Stussy read the blog, cuz they just collabed and dropped this incredible workup. Stussy is coming back with a Vengence, and Commonwealth definitely isn’t slackin. Appreciate the message, and Apes, go grab this joint.

Fitted Cap by Playclothes. If you’re into the Clipse as much as I am, then you knew that this was coming a loooooong time ago. Playclothes is the clothing line Pusha and Malice are dropping this fall. The cap is very poignant (SAT word for that ass). I’m impressed at the simplicity represented in this piece. Nupes….lids can increase ya swag, get up on it. This is Quality.

The Half Cab Pony Camou by Vans. I’m from Cali, so Vans always get a hi-five from me. But Dogs….peep the texture on these badboys. It’s faux pony mane!! That’s got to be one of the illest uses of fur I have ever seen in the sneaker game. Its CAMOUFLAGE! Plus, the classic Vans structure can play well with this season’s dark denim. Roo to those!

INSA just sprung off the radar with their creative shoe design. Ladies, what better way to show that you have culture than to rock some shoes with ART ON THEM. The color pallet is flawless, the construction of the shoe is hand crafted and gives a lil character to whoever’s rockin’em. Frogs, leave your lillypads and jump into a pair of shoes by INSA.

courtesy of Highsnobiety

I don’t think this bag discriminates AT ALL. The Grocery Tote by Jirushi Yoshida for Silly Thing. When I first saw this…I was like, Damn, why didn’t I think of that?! It just makes SENSE. A grocery bag, turned into fashion, now THAT’S innovation. Peep how it even has those ridged edges, so characteristic of throwback markets (alot of grocery stores have cut back on the traditional brown bag). We’re gonna label this, GroceryChic.

Greek 2 Chic: Cats

Check out these items from around the web:

Striped Jersey Shopper Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs. Fly, in such a casual, beach-esque way. It’s not doing too much, but it shows that you’re on point with your taste.

Reva Ballet Flats by Tory Burch. I don’t know what it is with women and ballet flats. YALL LOVE THEM JOINTS! I know that us fellas…don’t understand why you want to walk around all day basically barefoot.  Nevertheless, these are some really fresh flats.

The Pinstripe Old Skool Lo Pro by Vans. This sneaker has had the BIGGEST come up in the last few years (thanks to all my Thizzlamic Folk out in the Yay Area)! I feel like this is the perfect crossover shoe for ladies; you can be active, and be fresh.