Junya Watanabe presents his SS 2021 menswear in a co-ordination manual

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Dec 22, 2020

Almost last but very definitely not least, Junya Watanabe unveiled his latest menswear ideas in a handsome book this week, one of the final collections to be presented in 2020, in the never-ending fashion season caused by Covid-19.

 
This arty yet earthy collection would surely have looked powerful on any catwalk; it certainly looks great in his book, entitled Co-ordination Manual Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man.
 
Photographed in various Japanese cities by photographer Keizo Kitajima, it features a series of 13 gutsy characters from samurai sword-makers and auto mechanics to DJs and barmen, all captured at or near work.
 
And all done up proudly in the quirky yet classy style that is the signature of Watanabe. Like professional fly fisherman Yutaro Sugisaka, casting his rod proudly in the Kansa river in scratchy print waterproof jerkin. Eat your heart out Brad Pitt. Or bonsai master Masashi Hirao strolling the countryside in an erratically saddled stitched denim jacket. Each image referencing a certain book.
 

“This season I found myself reflecting on the power of the books around me - precious items that I value, though I may not open them every day. Many of the pieces in this collection depict and introduce these books,” said Watanabe.
 
A cast of authentically weathered yet noble faces in a collection that also included broken script print cotton jackets; grandfather shirts with pop art motifs; patchwork distressed linen blazers and great kicking fabric jackets worn by the mechanics in their oily garage.
 
Very much a designer’s designer, Watanabe traditionally stages small, tightly packed shows in Paris, which are very much cult events for fashion aficionados. His backstage is often off limits and when it is open Junya rarely speaks much, never mind giving an interview.

But this season in his book, he even provided a further quote: “I hope this letter finds you well. For the Spring Summer season I am presenting the Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man collection in a book entitled Manual. Please find it enclosed here. Thank you for all your support – I do hope you enjoy it. Best regards, Junya Watanabe.”