“COMME des GARCONS” 2022SS Fringed dress shirt

Reinterpreting the meaning of decoration, this piece from COMME des GARÇONS quietly questions the outlines and conventional uses of clothing, injecting strong structurality and ideas into everyday wear.

Based on a neat regular collar shirt, this piece features high-density fringes hanging long from the chest to the hem, creating a quiet sense of discomfort and beautiful movement.

First, the eye is drawn to the orderly arrangement of cord-like fringes covering the entire front. Each strand is thin and uniform, creating depth from afar and a delicate tension up close. Unlike typical decorations that serve as accents, these fringes cover a large area, transforming the appearance of the shirt itself and embodying the critical sensibility characteristic of COMME des GARÇONS.

The collar is a classic regular collar, neatly finished, with a shape that is not overly exaggerated from the stand to the tip, balancing the presence of the fringe while maintaining elegance. Small buttons are evenly aligned on the placket, preserving the shirt's order, which makes the subtle waviness on top stand out more. The sleeves are tailored with a sleek cylindrical shape, creating a beautiful contrast with the decorative body.

The choice of materials also significantly supports the value of this piece. The main body is made of 100% polyester, ensuring a deep black that remains stable while providing the flexibility and strength needed to support the weight of the fringe. Layered with 100% rayon fringe, it creates a tactile contrast between the matte, subdued body and the slightly flowing, decorative fringe, resulting in a rich shadow play despite the monochrome black.

Moreover, this fringe is not just decorative; it plays a role in changing the outline of the garment according to body movement. When standing, it emphasizes vertical lines; when walking, it introduces fluidity to the front, bringing three-dimensional movement to a two-dimensional shirt. This reflects COMME des GARÇONS's long exploration of the space between clothing and body, and the beauty that emerges from the contrast between stillness and motion, clearly expressed in this piece.

The back is minimalist, free of decoration, with a center pleat below the yoke, creating a striking contrast with the front. From the front, it feels strongly sculptural, while the back appears as a quiet shirt, changing impression depending on the wearer's movement and angle, leading to an intelligent personality that avoids over-explanation. The subtle fringe peeking from the hem adds to its beauty, maintaining overall balance while emphasizing presence—a distinct aesthetic of this brand.

There is reliable evidence regarding the era, with the inner tag showing the item number RI-B007, size XS, AD2021, and the label of Comme des Garçons Co., Ltd., confirming that this item was planned and manufactured in 2021. In COMME des GARÇONS, the AD notation is a clear standard indicating the year, and its consistency with the item number's initial letter pattern suggests it belongs to the Spring/Summer 2022 collection. This clear dating allows us to better understand Rei Kawakubo's approach during this period, transforming decoration from mere ornamentation into structure.

This shirt maintains a basic style suitable for everyday wear but is especially recommended for those who want to add a fresh perspective to their outfits beyond the ordinary. It appeals to those who prefer strong designs but avoid excessive colors or complex switching, instead expressing individuality through the depth of black and the beauty of structure. It also offers a unique experience of COMME des GARÇONS's long-standing questioning of the act of wearing clothes, presented in a relatively easy-to-approach shirt form.

Styling-wise, pairing relaxed trousers or neat wide pants to emphasize the flowing movement of the fringe creates a beautiful look that naturally highlights the brand's philosophy in everyday life. Incorporating a long jacket or a minimal setup allows the decorative front to stand out as a quiet tension, seamlessly blending the brand's ideas into daily wear. Alternatively, combining with voluminous skirts or structural bottoms to create a striking contrast between flatness and movement results in a sophisticated look that exudes intelligence and a sense of fashion, suitable for all genders.

Take this opportunity.