In the world of fashion, few brands have achieved the level of impact and influence as Comme des Garçons. Founded by the visionary Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969, the brand spearheaded the anti-fashion movement, challenging traditional notions of high fashion. Known for its dreamy silhouettes, punk references, and unconventional detailing, Comme des Garçons remains a pinnacle of design and consistency in the fashion world. The Autumn/Winter 2024 collections showcase the brand’s various sub-lines – Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons Homme, Comme des Garçons Homme Plus, and Comme des Garçons SHIRT – each reimagining contemporary menswear with bold yet subversive approaches. Key pieces include boiled knits, deconstructed coats, patchwork shirts, and several shoe collaborations with returning brands George Cox and Asics.
Vogue Singapore highlights the brand’s latest offerings through the lens of homegrown rapper Yung Raja. Yung, renowned for his bilingual Tamil and English rap, enjoys a massive following among the youth. He embodies exuberance and swagger, seamlessly fitting into the Comme des Garçons world with his eclectic style. “My music is experimental,” shares the 28-year-old artist. “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.”
The photoshoot, inspired by the work of legendary British photographer and director Rankin, captures Yung Raja’s attitude, swagger, and dynamism, mirroring the essence of Comme des Garçons and his 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.”
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Singapore, Yung Raja delves into his musical influences, his sartorial sensibilities, and the role of heritage and culture in his craft.
A Journey into 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*,” Yung shares. “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.”
Cultural Influences and Artistic Expression
Yung Raja’s music reflects the influences of his everyday experiences, memories, and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. “Most of my inspirations come from everyday life, from experiences and memories both good and bad,” he explains. “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.”
He also proudly incorporates his Indian culture and heritage into his music. “I always take pride in staying true to me, and to always be myself,” he affirms. “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.”
Inspiring a New Generation
Yung Raja’s music is driven by a desire to inspire and empower the next generation of creatives. “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,” he shares. “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.”
Style as Self-Expression
Yung Raja sees his sense of style as a reflection of his roots and beliefs. “As cliche as it might sound, I live by the phrase ‘when you look your best, you feel your best’,” he says. “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.”
A Comme des Garçons Admirer
Yung Raja’s admiration for Comme des Garçons is evident. “It’s truly aspirational and inspiring, a brand that is in its own league,” he says. “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 true to their design ethos. It’s a quality that I definitely resonate with, and one that I try to emulate.”
He particularly loves the Comme des Garçons Homme Plus looks from the shoot. “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.”
What’s Next for Yung Raja?
Yung Raja is currently working on his first album and several collaborations with other artists. “I am currently working on my first album, along with several amazing collaborations with other artists and creatives,” he says. “I am excited to share them soon, so stay tuned for that!”
Credits:
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
