Fashion career profile
Junya Watanabe
Junya Watanabe is a Japanese fashion designer and Artistic Director of his namesake label within Comme des Garçons. After graduating in design from Bunka Fashion College, he joined Comme des Garçons in 1984 and began designing for its Tricot line in 1987. He created his first namesake womenswear collection in 1992; it debuted in Tokyo before showing in Paris the following year. His work spans womenswear and menswear, with Junya Watanabe MAN launching for Spring/Summer 2001. Watanabe received the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix in 1993 and 1999. His practice is known for experimental construction, technical materials and unexpected combinations, while the label remains part of the wider Comme des Garçons organisation.
- Role
- Artistic Director, Junya Watanabe
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Career appointments
- 1
- Fashion houses
- 1
- The North Face Reengineers the Iconic Pertex Nuptse for Cold Weather StyleHypebeast Fashion · 2026-10-15
- eYe JUNYA WATANABE MAN x STÜSSY Fall/Winter 2026 Final Collab ArrivesHypebeast Fashion · 2026-10-09
- Junya Watanabe Spring 2027: Sparkle PlentyWWD · 2026-10-03
- Education: Design, Bunka Fashion CollegeGraduated in design before joining Comme des Garçons. · FHCM
- Selected career path: Comme des Garçons (1984–) · Tricot (1987) · Junya Watanabe (1992–) · Junya Watanabe MAN (2001–)Dates refer to documented milestones, not necessarily separate employment contracts. · FHCM
- Selected recognition: Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix (1993, 1999)Award years are listed by FHCM. · FHCM
- 1984 — Joins Comme des GarçonsWatanabe joins the company after graduating in design from Bunka Fashion College.
- 1987 — Begins designing for TricotHe starts his design career within the Comme des Garçons Tricot line.
- 1992 — Creates namesake womenswear collectionThe first collection debuts in Tokyo and is shown in Paris the following year.
- 2001 — Junya Watanabe MAN launchesThe menswear collection launches for Spring/Summer 2001 during Paris Fashion Week.
- 1992–Present — Artistic Director, Junya Watanabe label — Comme des GarçonsCurrent appointment · FHCM