Fashion is more than just clothing—it reflects one’s values, lifestyle, and identity.
Among the many iconic pieces, the COMME des GARÇONS JUNYA WATANABE Frayed-Edge Trench Coat stands out as a masterpiece that reimagines the classic trench. Boldly redesigned, it embodies both tradition and innovation in one garment.
Crafted from premium materials with meticulous tailoring, and finished with striking frayed-edge details, this coat delivers a truly unique presence.
- Product Overview — A Trench Coat That Embodies Tradition and Innovation
- About COMME des GARÇONS
- Signature Brand Lines
- Designer Junya Watanabe
- The History and Evolution of the Trench Coat
- About the Frayed-Edge Trench Coat
- Why Choose This Coat?
- Care Instructions
- Styling Examples
- Rarity and Resale Value
- Before You Buy
- Conclusion
Product Overview — A Trench Coat That Embodies Tradition and Innovation
At first glance, this trench coat maintains a classic silhouette. Look closer, and you’ll find modern, avant-garde elements woven throughout.
Luxurious wool is used generously, while the frayed-edge finishing creates an atmosphere of artistry and edge. This is a coat that elevates everyday style into something extraordinary.
About COMME des GARÇONS
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Rei Kawakubo
Image source：WWD
Rei Kawakubo, the founder of COMME des GARÇONS, was born in Tokyo in 1942. After graduating from Keio University and working in textiles, she established the brand in 1969.
Her philosophy is clear: fashion is not mere decoration—it is a medium for ideas, questions, and expression.
The “Shock of Black”
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In 1981, at Paris Fashion Week, COMME des GARÇONS presented a collection entirely in black, featuring holes, frays, and asymmetrical silhouettes. At a time when fashion thrived on glamour, this radical stance was dubbed the “Shock of Black.”
It ignited heated debate and paved the way for imperfection and incompleteness to be embraced as new forms of beauty.
Reputation in Japan
In Japan, COMME des GARÇONS is regarded as both “outsider” and “visionary.”
Beyond fleeting trends, it is respected as “fashion as philosophy,” inspiring generations of younger designers.
Reputation Worldwide
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Globally, the brand has become a symbol of “anti-fashion.”
In 2017, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York held a major retrospective dedicated to Rei Kawakubo—an extraordinary honor for a living designer—cementing her reputation as a creator who blurs the line between fashion and art.
Signature Brand Lines
COMME des GARÇONS develops several distinct lines, each with its own identity:
COMME des GARÇONS
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Rei Kawakubo’s core line.
The most conceptual and abstract, presenting fashion as an idea rather than just clothing. Targeted toward fashion connoisseurs, especially women over 30.
COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS
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Founded in 1984, this men’s line by Kawakubo emphasizes structured, architectural design. It primarily appeals to men in their 30s to 50s.
COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT
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Launched in 1988, this casual line focuses on shirts. Simple yet refined, it is highly popular among younger, unisex audiences for its balance of quality and design.
JUNYA WATANABE
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Established in 1992 by Junya Watanabe, this line reinterprets classic garments with innovative fabrics and experimental construction techniques.
All lines differ in direction, but they share a common DNA of “challenge” and “experimentation.”
Among them, Junya Watanabe is particularly celebrated for his masterful use of materials and architectural craftsmanship.
Designer Junya Watanabe
Image source：VOGUE JAPAN
Born in Fukushima, Japan, in 1961, Junya Watanabe joined COMME des GARÇONS after graduating from Bunka Fashion College. In 1992, he launched his own line under the brand. His work is defined by the fusion of classical tailoring with cutting-edge materials and methods, earning him global recognition.
This Frayed-Edge Trench Coat is a direct expression of his design philosophy: balancing tradition with bold innovation.
The History and Evolution of the Trench Coat
The trench coat traces its roots back to World War I, where it served as military outerwear. Valued for its functionality and water resistance, it eventually transitioned into civilian fashion, becoming a staple and a symbol of timeless style often seen in films and popular culture.
Yet its long history has also made it appear “ordinary” at times. Junya Watanabe challenged that perception, breathing new life into the trench by combining its classic form with avant-garde reinvention.
About the Frayed-Edge Trench Coat
Premium Wool
This coat is made from high-quality wool, offering exceptional warmth and an elegant drape—perfect for autumn and winter wear. The fabric naturally enhances the silhouette, creating a refined and luxurious presence.
Shrunken Wool — A Signature COMME des GARÇONS Technique
One of the coat’s defining features is its shrunken wool processing (“shukujū” in Japanese). By applying heat, friction, and pressure, the fibers contract, producing distinctive wrinkles, thickness, and three-dimensional texture. COMME des GARÇONS often applies this process after the garment is fully constructed—causing even the lining, buttons, and zippers to shrink—making each piece subtly unique.
First showcased in the brand’s legendary 1994 collection, this artisanal technique continues to define COMME des GARÇONS today. The result is individuality and presence in every single garment.
Frayed-Edge Design
The unfinished edges are deliberately left raw, with threads intentionally exposed. What looks incomplete is, in fact, a calculated design choice. This tension between classic structure and deconstruction gives the coat its unmistakable avant-garde feel.
Size & Fit
As with many Japanese brands, the fit runs slim. If you typically wear a medium in Western brands, we recommend sizing up to a large. The shoulders are cleanly cut, creating a sharp, streamlined silhouette.
Why Choose This Coat?
- Innovative Design: A one-of-a-kind blend of classic tailoring and avant-garde edge.
- Premium Materials: Luxurious wool with warmth, drape, and elegance.
- Brand Authority: A collaboration between world-renowned COMME des GARÇONS and Junya Watanabe.
- Investment Value: Highly limited and sought after, retaining strong value in the resale and collector markets.
Care Instructions
Dry cleaning is recommended. After wearing, gently brush off dust and hang the coat in a well-ventilated space. Because the frayed edges are delicate, store the coat with a protective cover to prevent snagging.
Styling Examples
- Business: Pair with a shirt and slim trousers for a modern, office-ready look.
- Casual: Throw it over denim and sneakers for effortless style.
- Night Out: Layer over an all-black ensemble to command attention with striking presence.
Rarity and Resale Value
Junya Watanabe collections are produced in limited numbers, making them highly sought after. As a result, these coats often command high prices on the secondary market, valued not only as fashion but also as collectible assets.
Before You Buy
- Sizing: Runs slim; international buyers may prefer one size up.
- Fabric Characteristics: Made of wool, so not ideal for rainy conditions—pairing with a raincoat is recommended.
Conclusion
The COMME des GARÇONS JUNYA WATANABE Frayed-Edge Trench Coat is a reimagined classic, imbued with new value. Its shrunken wool texture and bold frayed edges create a distinctive identity unmatched by any other trench.
This coat elevates any wardrobe—effortlessly transitioning from business to casual to evening wear. With limited availability and strong collector appeal, it is both a fashion statement and an investment piece.
For those seeking to express individuality, own a garment that will endure, and experience the world of COMME des GARÇONS, this coat is a rare and exceptional choice.
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JUNYA WATANABE COMME des GARCONS Trench Coat
Wool Frayed Edge Design Size S
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