"tricot COMME des GARCONS" 96SS eyelet lace design patterned fabric switching vest

For women designers affiliated with Comme des Garçons,

Taou Kurihara leads the line Tricot—whose name means “knitwear”—and since its establishment in 1981, the brand has continued to create a distinctly unique design language. From tricot COMME des GARCONS, we are pleased to introduce a precious archive piece.

Here, delicate eyelet lace is placed generously across the entire front bodice, expressing the aesthetic of layering—allowing air to pass through the gradations of black—through a neat V-neck.

A light tuck is added at the center front to calculate the way the fabric falls, and the fine chain of perforations subtly transmits light, giving texture to the black surface and gently bringing out contrast between the skin and the inner layer. And from the side through to the back, the design transitions to smooth woven fabric, forming a composition in which the tension between the lace on the exterior and the flat texture on the interior comes together beautifully.

The armholes are cut with an opening that leaves room for movement, and although the hem maintains a straight line, it releases a small amount of volume—so even when worn layered, the silhouette will not become dull. This extends the range of wear across seasons. The facings and edging are handled with care, and the ease of putting it on and taking it off is quietly perfected—an experience that feels wonderfully refined.

For the spring/summer 1996 tricot collection, the brand depicted an “experiment in lightness” that feels at home in everyday life in black. The concept of building depth by layering sheerness and opacity, holes and surfaces, softness and structure was especially clear. In this context, the value of this piece lies in how it establishes “summer black” as practical on the body—by setting the regularity of the eyelets in opposition to the plain surfaces of the woven fabric.

By stepping away from the fixed idea that “lace equals sweetness,” this piece offers added value in its “editorial power,” guiding the dense black and controlled breathability into a mode-like, composed elegance. Since the level of sheer effect can be adjusted depending on the inner layer, you can move seamlessly from morning to night and from work to dinner—while keeping both archival context and practicality in harmony.

For styling, pair it with a simple shirt and wool trousers, then layer a tailored jacket over top—the lace’s fine perforations and the jacket’s straight lines respond to one another, elevating a quiet elegance. Alternatively, layer it directly over a silk or cotton shirt with a sleeveless top, and simply add a small amount of minimalist jewelry for a highly polished look.

Please take this opportunity.