Summary translation of an interview between Rei Kawakubo and the crew of ‘NEWS23’ (Tokyo Broadcasting System) which took place after Commes des Garcon’s SS21 collection in Aoyama, Tokyo on 19 October 2020. The interview segment was broadcasted on 20 October.
(Narration) Comme des garcon’s latest collection was presented to a limited industry audience yesterday. All the models were wearing ever so innovative creations. It is of norm that the designer shows up at the end of the runway show but Kawakubo never does it. Because of that, once anyone catches a glimpse of her, all the press flood in to surround her in an attempt to speak to her. However in a rare occasion, Kawakubo, who has taken roles as designer and the CEO since the launch of the brand, accepted our invitation for a one-on-one interview on camera.
-Thank you for accepting our invitation. We are under the impression that you hardly talk to media but what’s the reason for accepting our invitation this time around?
K: Considering current (pandemic) situation, I wanted to do what I can to send a message about importance of power.. Power of creativity. In a situation like this, rather than thinking ‘There is nothing we can do’ or ‘Let’s take a break’, it is even more important to work towards something new.
-What message did you want to send in the latest collection?
K: In on word, ‘dissonance’, I would say. While the silhouettes and pattern may seem to be from the time when everything was made by hand, you also will see Disney-inspired design and materials such as urethan. By re-creating what was once made with embroidery and laces using such modern materials and themes, there is now dissonance in my creations. I would rather see such dissonance as source of new energy. I find power created from the clash pleasant rather than negative.
(Narration) Pleasant dissonance’ as relevance to current pandemic situation?
K: When there is limitation and there are things we can no longer do, some may try to ‘get used to it’ or may think ‘It us what it is’ ‘There is nothing we can do about it’ but I think it is rather dangerous. It’s important to see the adverse situation as opportunity and find power to move forward. It is no use to be just being disappointed and depressed.
-Kenzo Takada and Kansai Yamamoto, who lived the same era with you passed away this year. How do you feel about it? K-It is a pity. You ask how I feel but I find it a pity. What else donI feel...? I know I’m also not that young (laugh).
(Narration) Throughout Kawakubo’s 4-decade-career in fashion, we see one unchangeable mentality.
K: Maybe you can call it ‘rebel spirit’. Whenever i see something that is not right, I feel angry and turn this anger into energy to carry on.
-This rebel spirit is something that never fades?
K: Yes, I know I can’t do much about it but my thoughts and feeling continue to grow. That’s how I’d describe in words.
(Narration) While Kawakubo stays on international fashion stage with her rebel spirit as fuel, she is also the owner of a business which employs over 1000 staff and we hear that the negative impact of corona was enormous.
K: The impact was indeed huge but I must overcome it. We have many involved in creative process, other staff as well as those who work in sales. For those, I go back to the principle of creativity and work hard every day and create something new.
(Narration) Kawakubo’s rebel spirit has only strengthened in current situation.
K: The harder the situation is, and the more hungry you feel, the more power to go forward we all have, I believe.
-My final question is, what fashion is for you?
K: Fashion is what I can use to express myself as well as what inspires me. It is something un-negotiable in my life.
