A Fashion Treasure Trove: dot COMME's Epic Comme des Garçons Auction

On September 15, dot COMME, the renowned Melbourne-based collector Octavius La Rosa, will unveil an astonishing auction of 265 pieces from his extensive Comme des Garçons collection. Collaborating with Kerry Taylor Auctions, this event promises to be a celebration of designer Rei Kawakubo's innovative work, showcasing pieces that span decades and embody the brand's avant-garde spirit.

The auction features iconic collections such as the 1997 'Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body' and the 2005 'Broken Bride,' alongside rare items like a spring 1984 dress reminiscent of bedsheets, a standout from the early days of Kawakubo's Paris exhibitions. With pieces dating back to 1975, this sale also includes works by Junya Watanabe, another key figure in the Comme des Garçons family, known for his radical reinterpretation of military fatigues.

La Rosa reflects on the significance of this auction, describing it as a tribute to Kawakubo's unwavering quest for originality. "I really admire the courage to be always in search of the new," he states, highlighting the brand's lasting relevance nearly 60 years after its inception. His personal journey with Comme des Garçons began in 2008 when he first encountered the brand's older collections, which profoundly shaped his view on fashion.

Working with Kerry Taylor Auctions was a natural choice for La Rosa, given their expertise in contextualizing both contemporary fashion and historical significance. Alex Baddeley from the auction house underscores the importance of this sale, stating that it not only offers a chance to own legendary pieces but also serves as a narrative thread connecting fashion history. Recent auctions have seen items sell for staggering amounts, such as a torn skirt from the 'Hole' collection, which fetched £65,000.

As the fashion landscape evolves, so does the perception of historical significance. Baddeley notes that the auction aims to broaden the definition of what constitutes important fashion history, inviting a new generation of collectors into the fold. La Rosa's vision extends beyond the auction; he plans to move his collection to Paris, creating an accessible archive that allows enthusiasts to explore Kawakubo's daring vision firsthand. "It’s a brand that means something different to different people," he observes, celebrating the personal connections that Comme des Garçons fosters through its unique designs.

Source: www.vogue.com