Cultural Appropriation at Comme des Garçons: Wigs and Boots Controversies

Designer Scandals & Falls from Grace3/5 wildness

Cultural Appropriation at Comme des Garçons: Wigs and Boots Controversies

Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo / 2010s

Comme des Garçons has faced criticism for allegations of cultural appropriation, notably during the Spring/Summer 2015 menswear collection when 'guarachero' boots, inspired by traditional Mexican footwear, raised eyebrows across the fashion landscape concerning cultural sensitivity. More recently, in January 2020, a predominantly White group of models donned cornrowed lace-front wigs during the Fall 2020 menswear show, eliciting a wave of backlash for the appropriation of Black culture. Stylist Julien d'Ys, defending the creative direction, claimed the look was intended as an homage to Egyptian aesthetics, but the explanation did little to assuage critics. These incidents have opened the doors to extensive discussions about inclusivity and representation in high fashion, with Kawakubo's brand emblematic of how historical cultural narratives can become entangled within contemporary fashion identities.