Comme des Garçons

Inside a small rectangular shaped studio space down a long side street off the vast Nation square, Rei Kawakubo presented a sweet collection of loose fit jackets and coats made with fabrics used for upholstery. Chenilles in colorful pale pastels were a stark contrast to the gray Parisian sky.

There were short tail jackets in a pink print, a mustard colored coat done in a curtain-like fabric, and chenille two-button jackets in fuchsia. All the models sported shoulder-length wigs made of real human hair, some with leather rabbit ears atop their wigs.

Midway through the show, the music stopped and a single overhead light descended in the middle of the runway to indicate a change of mood and color. Out came a series of black one-button suits with long jackets embroidered at the hem.

It’s easy to see how Comme des Garçons has managed to construct a vast and expanding retail empire over the years, far from the often puzzling and controversial fashion shows where Kawakubo indulges in the ultimate exercise of creativity without borders. Separately, each item from this show will find its way into the stores and into customers’ hands: A gold jacquard coat, an acid green embroidered sweatshirt, or a cropped black single breasted jacket decorated with round pompoms.