Brand designer Junya Watanabe has a close relationship with COMME des GARCONS designer Rei Kawakubo and is also an alumnus of one of Japan's most influential fashion schools (Tokyo Bunka Fashion College). He is known for his innovative, unique, avant-garde, and technologically advanced experimental designs. After graduating in 1984, Watanabe worked as a pattern maker at CDG, soon rising to become the chief designer for the Tricot collection, and later the chief designer for CDG Homme. In 1992, he launched his eponymous brand as part of COMME des GARCONS. He is passionate about using innovative technical fabrics and exploring the possibilities of textiles, developing a unique Japanese-American style.