The First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama wore a finely-crafted blue cardigan on a visit to the Royal Opera House in London in of her state trips with President Barack Obama. The intricate piece was designed Japanese designer Junya Watanabe. Cameron Diaz is also a client of the Asian designer. All his works are under the Comme des Garçons label, but each piece is a reflection of his own style. Through the years, Junya Watanabe was able to establish a name that would associate his works with class and quality.
Junya Watanabe was born in 1961, in Fukushima, Japan. In 1984, he graduated from the Bunka Fashion School in Tokyo. At a young age, he has shown potential to be among the established designers that he is today. His first job was as a patternmaker at the Comme des Garçons. He was an apprentice at this time. Three years later, he was promoted to Chief Designer of the Tricot Knitwear line. Soon, he was designing for the Comme Des GarçonsHomme line. However, it was in 1992 when he began working under his own name, under the Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garçons label. In 1993, he began showcasing his designs in Paris.
Inspired by his mentor ReiKawakubo of Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe designs with the Asian touch. Both of them are renowned for distinct and innovative designs. Most of the materials used are synthetic and made out of the technological breakthroughs of today. This was showcased in his Spring/Summer Collection in 2001. His works are sometimes considered “techno couture” for his use of these products. His works showcase his structured and geometric use of the materials. However, in 2003, his Spring/Summer Collection showed his creative use of traditional products such as cotton.
Junya Watanabe is Asian by heart. And while his works are mostly famous and showcased in the West, he is able to carry out the distinctive Asian appeal. This is characterized by the high attention to detail. As a Japanese designer, his works exhibit fine craftsmanship. Also, each piece exudes with uniqueness and individuality, giving justice to the specific material used. Junya Watanabe, however, appreciates traditional materials but gives it a modern touch through technical designs. He also incorporates and blends these materials with old ones to create contrast yet coming up with a truly remarkable design.
Junya Watanabeinspires both designers and regular people for his determination and dedication to his work. He started small but was able to make a name for himself. And while he is already established in the fashion capitals of the world, he never lets go of his roots. He still holds office in Tokyo, Japan and works mostly in the city where he first designed. He regularly exhibits his work in Paris where he puts up shows side by side with the world’s greatest designers. And while the West flocks over his creation, he never forgets to exhibit his Asian talents and bring glory to his homeland.
