Lupe's Favorites: Junya Watanabe

"Such a good designer, Junya Watanabe, God damn you!"

- Lupe Fiasco, Gold Watch

Fall 2008 Line

Forty-seven year old Junya Watanabe is a world reknown fashion designer. A man of few words, Watanabe prefers to make statements through innovative designs, technologically advanced textiles, and cutting-edge draping technique. He was born in Japan, where he studied at the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo. After graduating from Bunka, Watanabe apprenticed for Comme des Garcons (“Like boys” in French); during this time, Rei Kawakubo, a very accomplished designer and owner of the line, took Junya in as her protégé and later offered him a position as a designer. In 1992, Watanabe opened his very own line through Comme des Garcons and move it from Tokyo to Paris. His collections are all extremely unique and revealed in the Fall and Spring. From Paris runways to Converse sneakers, Watanabe’s “techno couture” has flourished in the fashion world since.

Want the look for less?

Well, we can’t all have Junya, but H&M has recently paired up with Rei Kawakubo (Watanabe’s mentour and famous avant garde designer) to release an exclusive (yet affordable!) collaboration. The collection was released on November 6th, and if you are lucky enough, you should still be able to find some of it in their stores.