In partnership with Kerry Taylor Auctions, Australian collector dot COMME is selling some of his impressive collection.

When it comes to Japanese fashion designer and founder Rei Kawakubo, her "energy comes from freedom and a rebellious spirit." After 57 years of designing for Comme des Garçons and capturing the hearts of hardcore fans globally, that essence has carried over to individuals like Octavius La Rosa.
La Rosa's love for the brand commenced as an 18-year-old in Tokyo, shopping through second-hand stores that led to an overpacked suitcase. Almost two decades later, the collector holds one of the most important Comme des Garçons collections in the world, which led to a storefront in Australia for 15 years, Paris pop-ups, and a permanent Saint-Germain address that will have an archive people can visit.
Commonly known as dot COMME, the Melbourne-based collector has dedicated about 17 years to curating a 5,000-piece (and evolving) lineup of Comme des Garçons greats. Now, 265 pieces from his personal archive are gearing up for competitive bidding wars under Kerry Taylor Auctions in London's Long Lane.
Taking place in London on September 15 at 10 a.m.,&nbsp;dot COMME: the AUCTION will not just offer unique pieces from collections like "Round Rubber" and "Transformed Glamour," but also have fashion favorites from "Body Meets Dress—Dress Meets Body" and "Broken Bride." As La Rosa's collection is relocating from Melbourne to Paris, the need to make way for the future calls for parting with some garments.

Comme des Garçons Fall/Winter 1999. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 1997. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 1986. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Fall/Winter 2007. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 2010. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Fall/Winter 1986. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 2007. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Spring/Summer 2002. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Comme des Garçons Fall/Winter 2005. Courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.

But the incredible expansiveness of the auction is what makes it so special. Kawakubo's signature garment-making style is distinguishable, and the sale offers a great look into the designer's half-century progress. From 18 pre-1970s pieces that should be considered primary sources to the massive wave of popularity seen in the 1980s, a great variety of fashion history is on the chopping block for grabs.
However, the Comme offerings aren't just limited to Kawakubo; they expand way past that. After graduating from Tokyo's Bunka Fashion College in 1984, a young and promising Junya Watanabe joined the brand as a pattern cutter before becoming essential to the team. A few years later, the Japanese fashion designer presented his debut own-label show under the Comme des Garçons name.
In the sale, Kawakubo's protégé has select pieces featured in the auction that show why he earned the "techno-couture" tag in fashion. Although womenswear is the dominant force in dot COMME: the AUCTION, there are about 20 vintage looks that are, simply put, dream items for any menswear admirer.
The pieces highlighted in the upcoming September auction have never been on sale on dot COMME's website, making this opportunity one to tackle on the spot. Whether you've been a fan of Comme for years or simply appreciate the label's boldness, you can own a piece of La Rosa's great collection soon.

Over 200 of Commes des Garçons' Most Iconic Designs Are Going Up For Auction

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