Rei Kawakubo is one of the most famous designers to emerge from Japan. She entered Asahi Kasei, after graduating from Keio University in the year 1942. In 1966 she established the women's wear division, and in 1973 she established "Comme des Garçons" which means "Like a Youth". In 1975, she participated in the Tokyo Collection and in 1981 her collection debuted in the Pret a Porte Paris Collection. She mainly displays her work in Paris , and expanded her collection to "Homme Plus" and "Comme Shirt".

Today, her extended collection includes furniture and fragrances. Garcon's style, which did not fit in any of the fashion world stereotypes, has had a significant influence in the industry. Another fashion designer from Japan influencing the world is Junya Watanbe, whom commends a great deal of trust from Ms. Kawakubo.