Comme hither..
The Comme des Garcons for H&M frenzy on Oxford Street showed no sign of abating when I got there at around 4pm on Thursday. As much as I realise that in fashion terms this was like arriving 3hrs after the dessert course, I confess I had my own reservations to begin with. I don’t deny that it’s a canny commercial move for this most niche of designers, but still I couldn’t get my head around the legion of polka-dotted blouses that may moderate the inherent individuality of the label. Will this democratization have an impact on their loyal customers – many of whom will be diametrically opposed to the high street anyway? To be different means to set oneself apart from any aesthetic absolutism. Which is exactly what Comme des Garcons has done, in every quirk and mismatch and asymmetrical line. But everyone likes a bargain, and what timing too…
The boiled wool jacket and the coat dress had sold out, in fact most of the size 8s of everything were gone, but it was the navy trench coat that got me. Nicely cut, contrasting black buttons – very classic – and I waded through about forty – none in my size – when it occurred to me I wanted it badly. I barged my way to Regent Street and stormed into H&M ready to raze the rails, again picking through more of the same dilemma, when an angel of a shop assistant produced the size I’d been looking for. Clutching it like a gift from Rei herself, I was on a roll. I took whatever I could find in my size to the changing room, seized as I was by the moment.
But as I came to my senses, I was unhappy about the hem on the trench. The gaberdine felt insubstantial, all too flimsy for winter. The polka dots blurred into ubiquity. The moment had passed, and I left empty handed. When I got home and checked the eBay bids and there were surprisingly few, which goes to show that out of context this designer – even in high street form – may still be a gamble. Which can only be a good thing.
Comme des Garcons Trench Coat
