Rei Kawakubo presented her beautiful Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Autumn/Winter 2025 collection in Paris, presenting a thought-provoking commentary titled « To Hell With War. » True to her reputation for pushing boundaries, Kawakubo deconstructed military iconography to challenge its associations and reimagine its role in contemporary fashion.

This collection broke down the conventional army symbols into reinterpretation shapes of uniform, colors, and camouflage patterns. Traditional helmets were transformed as avant-garde headpieces, designed in collaboration with Nobuki Hizume, adding a surreal and sculptural touch. The pieces blurred the line between functionality and art, questioning the uniformity and authority inherent in military aesthetics.

Hair and makeup by Takeo Arai provided an otherworldly complement to the collection’s bold visuals, while the lighting by Thierry Dreyfus set an evocative atmosphere. The soundtrack, curated by ADC 303, further heightened the emotional depth of the presentation with the splendid voice of Nina Simone. Footwear included collaborations with Kids Love Gaite, George Cox, and the standout Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Nike Air Flymesh Rejuven8, adding a contemporary and athletic edge.

In « To Hell With War, » Kawakubo continues to use fashion as a medium of resistance and reflection, turning symbols of conflict into powerful statements of peace and individuality.

Photos by @elise_toide