Skip to main content

Woman's Dress

Spring 1992
Designed by Rei Kawakubo (Japanese, born 1942) Label Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (1969–present)
The sensuous back drape of this dress is created by a deep slash that also leaves a slit down one side of the back bodice, and another slit that opens upward from the back hem. These deconstructions are deliberately left fraying and unfinished. With no formal fashion training, Rei Kawakubo began making clothes, she said, "on a mission to challenge conformity." In her vision—austere and iconoclastic—black is strong and expressive. Beauty is found in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.