What movement is associated with the work of Rei Kawakubo?

Rei Kawakubo is closely associated with the avant-garde fashion movement, which is characterized by its innovative and often unconventional design approaches. As the founder of the label Comme des Garçons, Kawakubo has been at the forefront of challenging traditional concepts of beauty and fashion. Her designs often blur the lines between fashion and art, utilizing unusual silhouettes, textures, and forms that provoke thought and discussion about the nature of clothing and identity.

The avant-garde fashion movement seeks to push boundaries, exploring new ideas and aesthetics rather than adhering to mainstream trends. Kawakubo's willingness to experiment and redefine garment construction exemplifies this movement's core principles, making it clear why avant-garde fashion is distinctly associated with her work. This connection sets her apart from other styles such as bohemian, high fashion, or casual wear, which focus on different aspects of fashion and often conform more closely to established norms.