“People of the Year” is a joint project between Japanese clothing brand Comme des Garçons and SWITCH magazine to pay homage and celebrate impressive people from various backgrounds. Rei Kawakubo, the founder of the Japanese brand Comme des Garçons (often abbreviated to “CDG”), will design two to three pieces of clothing or accessories for each of the eight individuals to celebrate their achievements. So far they have announced the shortlist of artists and particular items, so more on the designs and availability later on.
People of the Year
Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction)
Ichiro Yamaguchi, the front-man of Sakanaction who strives to connect all the cultures of Japan will have a staff coat and tote bag designed after him. In fact, Ichiro and the band wore CDG in their Tabun, Kaze music video in 2016. He wore this iconic long staff coat with pinstripe sleeves which looked magical when it was blown around by the sea breeze.
Naomi Osaka
The athlete who won the 2020 Women’s Professional Tennis National Open will have a pair of sneakers and a T-shirt designed after her. Osaka has been ranked number one by the Women’s Tennis Association and is the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles.
Kotobuki Shiriagari
Japanese manga artist and actor from Shizuoka, Japan, known for his dark humor and social criticism will get a hoody and T-shirt. We’re expecting a bold graphic print for this one, especially on the T-shirt. In the past, he collaborated with Uniqlo and Disney for some prints, so take a look at his previous designs.
Stormzy
Popular British rapper and songwriter will get a blouson and T-shirt. CDG has been simmering in the streetwear circle for the longest time so it makes sense for Stormzy to make an appearance on this list. Most recently, Nike x Comme des Garçons Air Force 1 Mid was released a few weeks ago. You can try and get your hands on them, but sneakerheads are always two steps ahead of you.
Kazuyo Sejima
Japanese architect known for designs with clean modernist elements will have a T-shirt and tote bag designed after her.
Nobuyoshi Araki
Japanese photographer and contemporary artist Araki has been assigned a coach jacket and tote bag. They’re famous for photography that crosses eroticism and bondage, by the way. Do your research on them in the privacy of your own home.
Shuntaro Tanikawa
Widely read and highly regarded living Japanese poet. Shuntaro Tanikawa will have three pieces in total, including a shirt, T-shirt, as well as a tote bag.
Patti Smith
American singer-songwriter and musician, who was an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement will have a shirt and tote bag designed after her. Really feeling the Viviene Westwood punk vibes from Patti, so we’re equally excited about this one too.
As mentioned before, designs for the collection have not been released yet, so make sure to check the SWITCH magazine website for more updates.
If you’re new to all this area of fashion, we recommend folks who can travel to London, New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, Singapore, or Ginza to pay a visit to their local Dover Street Market. It’s a multi-brand retailer for high-end fashion created by Rei Kawakubo herself, and the interior design is a sight to behold. Brands such as Loewe, Sacai, Stüssy, and Prada reside there, so it’s worth a visit just to experience the atmosphere.