Junya Watanabe
Designer, Junya Watanabe
Inspired by both traditional and techno fabrics, the experimental designer was a protégé of Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, where his label lives.
Having begun has career as an apprentice pattern-maker at Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe quickly established himself as a distinguished talent, boasting an avant-garde design aesthetic and becoming an unofficial protégé for the iconic Rei Kawakubo . Following the launch of his namesake label under the Comme des Garçons umbrella, the prolific designer garnered international critical acclaim for his mastery in conceptual designs, pattern manipulation and innovative use of synthetic materials. Launched in 1992, Watanabe presented his first collection in Paris in 1993, adding a menswear line for the Spring/Summer 2002 season.
Hailing from Fukushima in central Japan, Watanabe attended the world renowned Bunka Fashion Institute in Tokyo — the alma mater of designers such as Yohji Yamamoto and Kenzo Takada — graduating in 1984. Having joined Comme des Garçons shortly after, Watanabe worked his way steadily upwards and in 1987 was named as design director of the Tricot knitwear line, holding the position until 1992.
A notoriously individualistic designer — eschewing traditional advertising and stores — Watanabe entered into his first mainstream collaboration with American sneaker brand Converse in 2007, designing a series of All Star sneakers. In 2012 Watanabe also partnered with Puma, using the company’s acid hued fabrics to create his Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
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In Paris, Shapes of Things to Come
Junya Watanabe, Duran Lantink and Chitose Abe are modern maestros of challenging silhouette, writes Tim Blanks.
In Paris, Shapes of Things to Come
Junya Watanabe, Duran Lantink and Chitose Abe are modern maestros of challenging silhouette, writes Tim Blanks.
Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All-Time: Umit Benan Autumn/Winter 2012, January 16, 2012
BoF's editor-at-large travels back in time to January 2012, when the menswear designer made his stellar debut on the Milan runway, taking the suit back to its sartorial roots in the military.
Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All-Time: Umit Benan Autumn/Winter 2012, January 16, 2012
BoF's editor-at-large travels back in time to January 2012, when the menswear designer made his stellar debut on the Milan runway, taking the suit back to its sartorial roots in the military.
The Future of Asia’s Fashion Weeks
As Shanghai Fashion Week returns to business as usual, organisers and retailers in Tokyo and Seoul are turning their focus to homegrown talent.
The Future of Asia’s Fashion Weeks
As Shanghai Fashion Week returns to business as usual, organisers and retailers in Tokyo and Seoul are turning their focus to homegrown talent.
The Other Fashion Month
This autumn, labels from Michael Kors to Comme des Garçons to Raf Simons are presenting collections in October in what’s shaping up to be something like a second fashion month. Will it stick post-pandemic?
The Other Fashion Month
This autumn, labels from Michael Kors to Comme des Garçons to Raf Simons are presenting collections in October in what’s shaping up to be something like a second fashion month. Will it stick post-pandemic?
The Emergency Room Nurse Turning His Fashion Dreams Into a Reality
Oluwole Olosunde, known as Guacawole online, is using his career in healthcare to fund Against Medical Advice, a label inspired by human anatomy and the many cultures of New York City.
The Emergency Room Nurse Turning His Fashion Dreams Into a Reality
Oluwole Olosunde, known as Guacawole online, is using his career in healthcare to fund Against Medical Advice, a label inspired by human anatomy and the many cultures of New York City.
Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All-Time: Junya Watanabe Men's Autumn/Winter 2006
BoF’s Editor-at-Large connects the dots between the designer’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection and a mesmerising 2006 meditation on ‘Taxi Driver’ anti-hero Travis Bickle, which probed the heart of America’s darkness.
Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All-Time: Junya Watanabe Men's Autumn/Winter 2006
BoF’s Editor-at-Large connects the dots between the designer’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection and a mesmerising 2006 meditation on ‘Taxi Driver’ anti-hero Travis Bickle, which probed the heart of America’s darkness.
Need Supply, Totokaelo to Close
Parent company NSTO said the multi-brand fashion retailers, which operate stores in New York, Seattle and Richmond, Va., would wind down operations over the next several months.
Need Supply, Totokaelo to Close
Parent company NSTO said the multi-brand fashion retailers, which operate stores in New York, Seattle and Richmond, Va., would wind down operations over the next several months.
How I Became... Burberry's Global Beauty Director
From competitive athlete to dance performer, face painter to professional makeup artist, Isamaya Ffrench has worked for the likes of Tom Ford Beauty, YSL Beauty, Vogue and Love magazines, as well as launching Dazed Beauty.
How I Became... Burberry's Global Beauty Director
From competitive athlete to dance performer, face painter to professional makeup artist, Isamaya Ffrench has worked for the likes of Tom Ford Beauty, YSL Beauty, Vogue and Love magazines, as well as launching Dazed Beauty.
Can Fashion Cash In on the Animal Crossing Craze?
The Nintendo Switch game, released in late March, has captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts waiting out the coronavirus pandemic. But it presents no clear way for fashion to monetise its popularity just yet.
Can Fashion Cash In on the Animal Crossing Craze?
The Nintendo Switch game, released in late March, has captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts waiting out the coronavirus pandemic. But it presents no clear way for fashion to monetise its popularity just yet.
The BoF Podcast: A Fashion Month Unlike Any Other
As wildfires swept across Australia and the coronavirus spread across the globe, Imran Amed and Tim Blanks reflect on how the world’s uncertainties have informed the Autumn/Winter 2020 season.
The BoF Podcast: A Fashion Month Unlike Any Other
As wildfires swept across Australia and the coronavirus spread across the globe, Imran Amed and Tim Blanks reflect on how the world’s uncertainties have informed the Autumn/Winter 2020 season.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
