"NEO TOKYO IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE"

This instantly recognizable phrase is from one of the anime industry’s most iconic films, Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. From the movie’s explosion in popularity to its dedicated cult following, Otomo became increasingly known for his wide range of enigmatic creations. As such, it came as no surprise that Rei Kawakubo would choose him to create all of Comme des Garcons’ 2013 announcements' direct mailers. These mailers contained announcements pertaining to Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter launches, shop openings and more, with the artwork merely being the draw to the direct mailer. The artwork on the mailers seamlessly combines characters, scenes, and manga pages from a panoply of Otomo's works, such as AKIRA, Domu, and Steamboy. This collage of imagery results in the mailers having a familiar yet alien feeling alike, drawing parallels with CDG’s own deconstructed and raw clothing. The collaboration has proven to stand the test of time, with the prints and items still being sought after to this very day.

​

Writer: Isabelle L. Davis