Junya Watanabe began his career as a pattern-maker and designer working alongside his mentor Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garcons. He quickly established himself as a talent who pushed the boundaries in conceptual art-fashion; using new techniques in pattern manipulation and innovative use of synthetic materials. Launching his own label in 1992, Junya Watanabe caused a sensation in 1993 when presenting his first collection in Paris. Today, his early works are highly collectable.