"持続力" YOHJI YAMAMOTO AND REI KAWAKUBO - 40+ YEAR RENEGADES OF FASHION

The Japanese saying for "staying power" or "longevity" is "持続
力" (jizokuryoku). This term encompasses the idea of sustainability, endurance, and the ability to persevere over the long term. It is often used to describe the capacity to maintain effort, energy, or relevance over an extended period. No two Japanese designers better embody this that REi Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto.

Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto stand as paragons of artistic integrity and originality in the fashion world. Their unwavering commitment to their creative vision, their resilience in the face of criticism, and the timeless relevance of their designs have earned them widespread admiration and respect. Their unique appeal lies in their ability to transcend trends, challenge
At 80, fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto still chain-smokes, still dreams of gangsters and cowboys, still gambles like there's no tomorrow. Maybe he has discovered the true source of unlimited creativity and youth.

Yohji Yamamoto is 80, and Rei Kawakubo is 81, but judging by their recent Fall
Winter 2024 Mens Collections you would not know that they were anything but in their creative primes. Primes that have spanned 4 decades.
I was blown away by the genius and creativity on full display in their 2 Collections. I sometimes ask myself when I see the dross and blandness of many fashion offerings, even the major houses who have all the money and resources, but none of this can compensate to pure creative talent. Which my idols Rei and Yohji have displayed throughout their careers. To have lasted so long and still be creating masterful Collections is truly inspiring.
In 2023 Yohji said

“Annoying,” he says quickly. “I have been working and creating fashion collections already for 40 years. When I started, I had so many respectable designers and after 20 years I had so many competitors. But four or five years ago, I lost all the competitors. They disappeared or they stopped. So I feel very alone. This feeling makes me have responsibility [to design]. But at the same time it becomes hard to be sharp to create something. So anyway, my position at my job became heavier than the whole.”

Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto are two iconic figures in the fashion world who have consistently defied conventions, challenged norms, and carved out their own unique paths in the industry. Their unwavering commitment to their creative vision and their refusal to be swayed by trends or media criticism have not only set them apart as influential designers but have also earned them widespread admiration and respect. Understanding their unique appeal requires delving into their individual approaches, their impact on the fashion landscape, and the enduring legacy they have created.

Rei Kawakubo, the innovative mind behind the avant-garde fashion label Comme des Garçons, and Yohji Yamamoto, renowned for his deconstructivist and androgynous designs, have always been at the vanguard of the fashion world. One of the key reasons for their universal appeal and uniqueness lies in their steadfast commitment to their artistic vision. Both designers have consistently steered clear of conforming to mainstream trends, choosing instead to express their unconventional perspectives through their work. This unwavering dedication to originality and creativity has resulted in collections that are often described as challenging, thought-provoking, and boundary- pushing.

Central to the allure of Kawakubo and Yamamoto is their ability to transcend the superficial and commercial aspects of fashion. Their designs are deeply rooted in artistic expression, often blurring the lines between fashion and art. By embracing asymmetry, unconventional silhouettes, and a dark, monochromatic palette, they have redefined the traditional notions of beauty and elegance. Their designs exude a sense of rawness and authenticity that resonates with individuals who appreciate fashion as a form of self-expression and art.

Moreover, Kawakubo and Yamamoto have continually demonstrated a fearless disregard for external validation or criticism. Their resilience in the face of media scrutiny and industry pressures has allowed them to maintain an unwavering commitment to their creative integrity. This steadfastness has garnered them a dedicated following among consumers who seek authenticity and originality in an industry often dominated by fleeting trends and commercialism. Their refusal to compromise their artistic vision has not only earned them respect but has also cemented their status as trailblazers in the fashion world.