Monozukuri—translated to "making of things" in Japanese—is a term often associated with sincerity towards craftsmanship and innovation. It is also a term that best encompasses Junya Watanabe's attitude towards his garments.
Autumn/Winter 2004 marked the sixth menswear collection from Junya Watanabe since its debut in 2001. When you pitch a classically trained womenswear designer into the playing field of menswear, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
The AW04 collection sees a pivot from his fondness for utilitarian, functional clothing. Models donned perfectly tailored tweed, brocade, and floral jacquard suits, juxtaposed with striking, brightly colored shirts. The jackets featured shorter sleeves and hems, allowing small details like French cuffs to peek through.
Amidst the sharp sartorial tailoring, gritty, raw punk influences were impossible to miss. Jewelry and accessories featured skulls, firearms, and guitars, while some pieces underwent heavily distressed treatments reminiscent of the garments worn by DIY-oriented crust punks.
This extremely rare pinstripe jacket features heavy all-over distressing and is reversible, revealing a polka dot motif that is synonymous with Comme Des Garcons.
