Behind The Brand: Junya Watanabe

Once described as "the most elusive fashion designer in the world", in a rare interview with The Guardian newspaper, Mr Junya Watanabe shuns media attention and has seldom been photographed. Instead, the designer prefers to let his work do the talking. From his techno couture pieces, which blend high-tech fabrics with traditional construction, to his radically futuristic collections, Mr Watanabe's intellectual approach has seen the introduction of new concepts of cut, fabric and styling, in addition to affirming his position as one of the most influential contemporary designers.

Having graduated from the prestigious Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo in 1984, where fellow alumni include Mr Yohji Yamamoto and Mr Kenzo Takada, Mr Watanabe began working for Comme des Garçons in the same year. Under the guidance of the label's founder, Ms Rei Kawakubo, Mr Watanabe held several positions at the firm, before showing his first independent collection - but still part of the Comme des Garçons group - in 1992 ("whatever Junya does, I don't interfere," Ms Kawakubo explains). Menswear followed in 2001, with Mr Watanabe's men's collections less conceptual and more heritage-inspired than his womenswear. "It is important that you have a purpose when you design menswear," Mr Watanabe explains.