In fashion, few brands have been as impactful and transcendent as Comme des Garçons. The brand, founded by Japanese designer and visionaire Rei Kawakubo back in 1969, was a pioneer in the anti-fashion movement that shifted the perception for what was considered high fashion at the time. Synonymous with dreamy silhouettes, punk references and unorthodox detailing, the brand has remained at the top of the fashion pyramid to date, a shining beacon of design and consistency.
The Autum/Winter 2024 collections sees the various sub-lines—namely Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons Homme, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus, and Comme des Garçons SHIRT—reimagine contemporary menswear, each look bold yet subversive in approach. Key pieces include boiled knits, deconstructed coats and patchwork shirts, along with several shoe collaborations with returning brands George Cox and Asics.
Highlighting the best from the Autumn/Winter 2024 collections, Vogue Singapore spotlights homegrown rapper Yung Raja. Yung, whose bilingual rap in Tamil and English has garnered him a sizeable following amongst the youth, is filled with exuberance and swagger, comfortable and in his element as he dons the latest brand offerings. Shares the 28-year-old artist of his high-octane and eclectic style: “My music is experimental. I always like to mix things up, at the end of the day I am just trying to create a sound that is uniquely me.”
“Comme des Garçons is truly inspiring, constantly pushing the status quo whilst staying through to their ethos. “
Referencing the lens and energy of legendary British photographer and director Rankin, the shoot is one filled with attitude, swagger, and dynamism, each trait representative of the Comme des Garçons world and Yung Raja’s music. “I remember first hearing about Comme des Garçons through my friend,” reminisces Yung. “A designer himself, he shared with me his experience of working with the brand, which piqued my curiosity and I proceeded to check the brand out at Dover Street Market Singapore. Since then, I have been a huge fan of everything the house stands for.”
Below, the Singaporean rapper speaks to Vogue Singapore on his music influences, sartorial sensibilities and the role heritage and culture plays in his craft.
What first sparked your interest in hip-hop?
My first encounter with the genre was probably back when I was 10 years old, when I chanced upon Eminem’s The Real Slim Shady. Prior to that, my concept of music was purely Tamil songs, thus listening to hip-hop for the first time was a hard-hitting experience that stuck with me. I fell in love with it then, and have been in love with it since.
What are some factors that inform or influence your music?
Honestly, most of my inspirations come from everyday life, from experiences and memories both good and bad. The nature of my job allows for me to travel places and meet new people, many of which have helped shape the artist and person I am today. The highs and lows have definitely left its imprint on me, changing me and my music along with it.
How do you think you incorporate your Indian culture and heritage into your music?
I always take pride in staying true to me, and to always be myself. Hip-hop—and music in general—is a beautiful medium that allows all artists to celebrate their identity within the narratives they adopt. Through my music I get to celebrate my Indian (and Singaporean) roots, paying homage to my culture and community. I always consider these factors when I write a new song or perform on stage.
What is the main message you wish to convey to your audience through your music?
Growing up, I never really felt like there was anybody within my community that I could look up to, and thus I made it a point to try to be a role model that the next generation can look up to. I wish to be able to inspire the next wave of creatives, young individuals growing up in Singapore who wish to make their mark in their respective industries. I also aim to spread good energy and vibes, to be able to build a inclusive community here that is beyond just music. We can all grow and succeed together.
Do you think your sense of style reflects your roots/beliefs? Why or why not?
Yes, I think so. As cliche as it might sound, I live by the phrase “when you look your best, you feel your best”. I take as much pride in my work as I do in my personal style, always trying to emit positivity and energy wherever I go.
“Most of my inspirations come from everyday life, experiences that have shaped the artist I am today.”
What comes to mind when you think of Comme des Garçons?
It’s truly aspirational and inspiring, a brand that is in its own league. It’s amazing how the brand has continuously stayed in the upper echelons of fashion, constantly pushing the status quo and reinventing sartorial norms whilst staying through to their design ethos. It’s a quality that I definitely resonate with, and one that I try to emulate.
Which look from the shoot was your personal favourite and why?
My favourites would have to be the Comme des Garçons Homme Plus looks, as both are ensembles I can see myself wearing to perform on stage or at an event. There was an air of effortlessness to them; I really enjoyed all the layering and intricate details present in those fits, they were thought-provoking while remaining true to my style.
Lastly, what’s next for you? What can we expect to see in the coming months?
I am currently working on my first album, along with several amazing collaborations with other artists and creatives. I am excited to share them soon, so stay tuned for that!
Photographer Weeyang
Stylist Nicholas See
Set designer Arendayen Abegail Loreno
Hair Ting Wei
Make-up Wee Ming using Gucci Beauty
Manicure Ann Lim using Shellac from CND
Toothgems Third Eye Toothgems SG
Photographer’s assistants Eugene Loo
Stylist’s assistant Nurul Firdousee and Helaine Ercia
Talent Yung Raja
Special thanks Enfinite Studio
Outfits Comme des Garçons voco Orchard and Dover Street Market Singapore
