Inside This Collector’s 70-Piece Comme des Garçons Collection | Devoted | Vogue

Michelle Elie loves Comme des Garçon, so much so she has to drive her CDG “girls” across country borders. Rei Kawakubo's designs hold a special place in Michelle's heart, and her collection of runway pieces has grown throughout the years.
Director: Sarah Hawkins
Director of Photography: Leander Ott
Editor: Robby Massey, Alana McNair
Producer: Kevyn Fairchild
Producer, On-Set: Timmi Seifert
Associate Producer: Ares Maia, Kristen Engelson
Assistant Camera: Hannah Schwaiger
Audio: Thor Rixon
Makeup Artist: Claudia Astorino
Production Managers: Emma Roberts, Kit Fogarty
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Line Producer: Tina Magnuson
Post Production Coordinator: Andrea Farr
Post Production Supervisor: Marco Glinbizzi
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Associate Director, Creative Development, Vogue: Alexandra Gurvitch, Billie JD Porter
Consultant, Vogue: Liana Satenstien
Senior Director, Programming, Vogue: Linda Gittleson
Supervising Producer, New Development: Jeff Kornberg
VP, Digital Video Programming and Development, Vogue (English Language): Joe Pickard
Still haven’t subscribed to Vogue on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/vogueyou...
Get the best of Vogue delivered right in your inbox ►► bit.ly/3xAZyQg
Want to hear more from our editors? Subscribe to the magazine ►► bit.ly/2wXh1VW
Check out our new podcast 'In Vogue: The 1990s' ►► link.chtbl.com...

ABOUT VOGUE
Vogue is the authority on fashion news, culture trends, beauty coverage, videos, celebrity style, and fashion week updates.

[@ilahjarvis]

She is an art collector. We like to pretend fashion isn't as important as paintings and sculpture, but her collection is just sophisticated as any other art form. I love her passion and excitement for each piece, and her joy as she puts them on and shows them off. So wonderful.

[@KNYD]

I think it is in part due to sexism. Women were kept out of arts. Until fairly recently, it was extremely rare for women to be taken seriously as artists. Clothes and clothe making is seen as frivolous and not serious. The Met gala's real name is The Costume Institute Gala, and it is held because the Metropolitan Museum of Art does not provide funding for the costume institute. The Metropolitan museum provides funding to maintain its all other collections, and to create its other exhibitions, only the costume institute has to obtain its own funding.

[@TL4life2797]

perfectly stated!!

[@jenniferlesueur1359]

Beautifully said 💖

[@bassbint72]

THIS

[@stpdtwnk]

As Sasha velour says, Wearable Art

[@seviregis7441]

What a cool woman, she really understands art and fashion art. I love how she appreciates the bold unique artistry of the designer and has her whole wardrobe to represent that aesthetic.

[@sidviscus]

Kudos to this woman for wearing what most of us would only dream of wearing. It's people like this that give motivation to designers that their designs are actually loved.

[@arthurb8436]

@@jonnyfendi2003 me? and lots of others? if you're not a comme fan, what are you doing on this video?

[@bf688]

Vogue, as payment for doing this video- invite her back to the Met! Seeing the look on her face about not being able to go last time. 🥰

[@dfinite1111]

YES INVITE HER TO THE MET BALL. She has more style, art fashion sense, actual haute, than all the K’s tumbled into one dumb pile.

[@grantipanties]

“It doesn’t matter the occasion even coffee in my kitchen is enough” love this

[@strawberry_shortbtch9613]

The happiness she exudes as she puts on/talks about the clothes is so contagious! Watching this video was a delightful way to start my day. Rei Kawakubo is a living legend. Thanks Michelle & Vogue for sharing her breathtaking art with us. You wear them so beautifully, giving life to each piece.

[@fancii]

@strawberry_shortbtch I was thinking the same thing. I loved the way she gasped in high pitch as she revealed and donned them. So infectious indeed!

[@justinbarnes007]

Wow, she’s a real beauty. A big change for Vogue. Less Kim K, and more of this porfa.

[@pa5666]

I totally agree. This woman wears and collects these pieces out of pure happiness and appreciation whereas Kim comes off as wearing it solely because it'll make a scene.

[@selqoe]

@Mason is it really envy? or a genuine criticism? your fav ruined a historical piece of art fashion just because she could. Whereas this woman actually appreciates the pieces she wears and takes incredibly great care of them. Leagues of difference.

[@oluwabukolaashaye4982]

👍👍

[@Iceyfire12]

@@selqoe historical piece ehh honestly it was a dress worn once to one occasion! Not like Kim Ruined the World like people keep implying! Also in truth they are better than all the people they’ve dated and most rappers blaring horrid sounds lol!

[@phillblake6829]

I got two thirds in before realising she had shoes on her head! Love her passion

[@QualquerCoisa387]

Oh! What a beautiful surprise to see my loving friend Michelle, finally, being recognized for her life effort of dignifying fashion all the time. She illuminates the ambient, wherever she goes. She gives life to all the pieces she wears. Just divine! Love love love

[@shadowcat170]

She makes me realize a lot of passionate ppl probably embody fashion unnoticed

[@williambrown9047]

She emminates pure joy while discussing her pieces.

[@thelamelip]

I cannot fathom how happy it makes me seeing this women wear her pieces with such joy and without fear of them being worn. Fashion is to be enjoyed as well as appreciated, she has so much fun living her life in these! Hoope to grow my colelction into something even close to this xx

[@Dee-gt9sx]

The fact that she looks phenomenal in all of them is the cherry on top for me

[@bobthebuilderday6leader]

Right, she bodies the pieces so well.

[@carriew5889]

Amazing! Please do more of this sort of thing, she’s so much more interesting than all the celebrity ‘what’s in my bag’ videos.

[@bobthebuilderday6leader]

Seconded! Vogue, we want a series please.

[@dignifiedamerican8171]

She is the living embodiment of every artist dream by wearing and continuing to live the fashion pieces. Wonderful display and passion is felt in her. So lovely.

[@emilie275]

I've never heard of this woman & I've only heard of the brand once before, but when she was talking about meeting Rei in in Rei's White dress the happiness on her face brought tears to my eyes.

[@CarmenBelcher]

I always wondered who she was! We need to see more and more of her. She’s so stylish and knows her stuff. Thank you for posting

[@pa5666]

I saw Vogue tweet out the article about her and was sad when I didn't see an accompanying video. So glad they finally dropped it!

[@nethaliabeyasinghe1458]

she's a jewellery designer it seems according to her website

[@metamorflexible]

Seeing how passionate she is about collecting those art pieces brought me so much joy. those pieces look quite ravishing. Very interested in those people who collect avant-garde fashion pieces. I think it'd be great if Vogue filmed a video with Ashley Scott who's a Mugler collector, and also a sculptor.

[@desiderata6281]

This woman found a way to represent her very consciousness outwardly to the world. All the things she cannot say are booming through the clothes. I can hear her very soul in these clothes.

[@swicheroo1]

I knew a woman who wrote a book about Japanese fashion. Rei was one of the central figures. This woman bought one couture dress every season. She decided that she had to make a choice: Buy a house or buy couture. She would rather own couture.

[@cedmnds]

what's the name of the book ?

[@xtaylorxboyx]

Just commenting to get a notification for the name of that book.

[@dahdream6044]

@@xtaylorxboyx same!

[@galacticbambi949]

commenting to know the book

[@fabsabx]

I would like to know as well!!

[@keesmuch]

She projects pure joy innocence and her excitement is contagious! the clothes are out of this world. the creativity behind these pieces are just outstanding.

[@jeniphirtaylor-mcintire81]

Her joy is contagious; it's clear she loves her collection.

[@stace_d]

This is magical. I love people who are passionate about art, especially in our disposable society

[@mysteriousfun4759]

Someone who actually appreciates the pieces and may even let them see the light of day, while keeping temperature controls on diligently and maximum pest control. Like a shrine priestess.

[@risk5riskmks93]

She, herself, is an artist, and her collection is valuable to all who see it. Thank you for sharing a view with us!

[@empressvintage7760]

Forget a loan for fashion, she needs a grant! Set up a non-profit to continue & also preserve the collection. Love the story of meeting Rei! ❤️

[@ssoundwaves]

"divine happiness" -- that's what this just brought me. Thank you :)

[@pp-kd2au]

Incredible and her taste is so beyond. She's on her own and the collection she has is just stunning 🤩

[@KBarraza]

She manifested meeting Rei in that dress and did it. Magical 💫

[@williamwhitworth2101]

This video is pure joy. I can’t help but be a little worried about those beautiful pieces of art hanging by those windows. I hope they have a UV blocking film on them!

[@haynbrah]

i am in utter awe and nearing tears!!!! i jus love and appreciate how this has, cares for, and fricken WEARS allll of these ICONIC pieces of art & fashion!!! rei is frkn ahead of her time and will always be ICONIC! thanks to michelle for sharing her gorgie collection of rei’s painstaking fabulouso fashion

[@themarquis336]

Such great stories. I’d never heard of her before and now I find her wonderful. The best thing about her collection is that she actually wears it. 👏🏻 Bravo. Thank you, Vogue.

[@Mitsuisen]

Rei Kawakubo & Comme des Garçons, she is not bound by principles and aesthetics when she creates, she only makes the art she wants to do and expresses the beauty she wants to express. The design focus is always "irregular", "Biao Qili" Different", and "One Piece Monotone".

[@ScootDoot1977]

I love her passion for these pieces…. I mean to us mere mortals most of this stuff is like wtf…. But it’s definitely art

[@TheJarlath9]

yeah its just cool to see her so happy

[@inkarlcerating]

Been waiting for this! Thank you, Vogue for shedding light on people who preserves and appreciates Avant Garde. Rei’s fashion will live forever.

[@starbuggle]

It is a bit difficult for me to appreciate fashion or art that's so... out there. I like Rei's menswear pieces, but some of these dresses are just too big for my brain. But!! Seeing someone else who does appreciate them, can talk about them with so much passion (and cheek!) AND wear them gives me a lot of joy :)

[@reginafris6822]

The collector and the collection are both divine.

[@photokunstler]

NOTHING makes me happier than seeing the joy these CdG pieces bring her. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! I have started my own CdG & Rick Owens collections lol

[@donedone6793]

She is so purely interesting. Her passion on those collections is so innocent. She loves it because she loves it, no other intentions. I love it.

[@froogiez18]

dhe is so lovely, watching her describe every piece was absolutlely adorable i loved watching this so much

[@jacknjill3000]

Your collection is amazing! I was into CDG when the Japanese designers first got noticed in America and around 1982-83. About 5 years I sold the men’s jacket with the accordion pleats on the front and had since about 1988. It was a famous early CDG piece that i used to get a lot of attention when wearing. Glad to see Comme de Garçon now doing so well and have a strong following. Bc when I first started wearing Comme in 1982, not many understood her designs or much of the Kapanese designers. Keep in mind, many of the Japanese designers when they first got big, were making sweater that had big holes and the hobo look. Many Americans couldn’t grasp back then paying $400 to $500 for a ugly old looking damaged sweater.

[@goldenlabelstudio]

How am I just finding out about this phenomenal woman?!

[@CrackberryMe]

Facts !!!!

[@joubaierjoubert7748]

Follow her on Instagram she is sooooo toned down in this interview lol

[@goldenlabelstudio]

@@joubaierjoubert7748 done,

[@JJMedusa]

@@joubaierjoubert7748 -- What is her Instagram username?

[@corgeousgeorge]

I love it. Wearable art! The spirit of Michelle Elle in this content is fantastic. To love and be passionate about anything!

[@noluck8250]

Michelle really explains what it's like to love real fashion. I don't have the money for pieces like this but one day i aspire to be like her with brands I love.

[@cirej25]

Incredible collection! True pieces of art! This woman has taste.

[@divergent0042]

Her passion is contagious

[@EgoKillerPodcast]

A literal dream❤ thank you for sharing your amazing collection with us! I started crying when you told the story about meeting her, so amazing. You look beautiful in everything, but that lobster is beyond Devine ✨

[@fashunslore]

i’m dying to know the prices of these pieces

[@Gertyprunes69]

She has such a beautiful style and mind

[@melsyoutube]

I love her passion and enthusiasm

[@sillygooseroeufuske]

This is beyond incredible. Made me cry. Michelle is beautiful, Rei is beyond beautiful.

[@Lex333333]

Thank you Vogue, more of this please! More of real interesting passionate people willing to share their vision

[@kellyredznak4003]

Love this, I want to see more of her collection.

[@Anthonyarr0y0]

This collection is astonishing truly wearable works of art

[@RachaelElyse]

This is the kind of person I want to see on the met gala red carpet. I know she would bring the level of fashion we need!

[@shena1256]

It's amazing how someone can wear 2 pair of heels as a hat and totally rock it and some can't. 😂

[@louisorange4276]

I love this series. To see how the wearer is truly enamored with the artist / designer. And they see clothes beyond what they are.

[@ndysplt]

Its phenomenal indeed

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

Watching this give me shivers. Lovely woman and amazing collection. Everyday I pray for Rei's good health.

[@neelamfryer1892]

Truly spectacular ❤

[@MiniM69]

I’ve been a fan of her for years! Her street style pics are iconic!

[@bubblebutt4919]

the story behind the ceremony of separation 2015 made me smile, chills & cry ♥️♥️♥️

[@erased5325]

I love vids like these collectors who collect for passion and love and not for profit people just showing off their pride This and the Nigo warehouse tour are some of my favourite videos. Vogue do more of this!!!!

[@robotcandy8674]

What an icon. What an amazing person with an amazing collection

[@SW-oc2pp]

As someone who is hella lazy with my fashion, I truly admire and enjoy people who really express themselves through fashion!

[@niasuez9983]

She's definitely secure in herself. Love that for her.

[@jassypr]

You know she’s an insane collector when its all preserved clothes and shoes 🤌🏻🤍

[@NY_LA]

What an absolutely STUNNING collection. Each piece was beyond beautiful and narrative in its own silent way-wonderful.

[@Drezzedtokill]

Each one of those pieces are icons. She’s the Daphne Guinness of CDG

[@dimad645]

Wow, that was amazing. The red lobster outfit is my favorite, she looked very sleek in it

[@ClarkyWarky]

This is proof that great things happen when you just follow your heart and passion. Everything falls into place.

[@MyOddSentiments]

Much love to Michelle for daring to live her life and wear as she dreams it. It's a shame that in a world where we can wear such imaginative garments that most of us don't. Me included sometimes. To more days of no fear and nonconformity and a less boring world.

[@thecatspajamasx2819]

Thank you Michelle for bringing us into your world it’s a joy

[@word42069]

It is a shame she wasn’t invited to the Met Gala for the Rei show!!!!!!!

[@CrackberryMe]

This Lady’s collection is Fabulous 😱😮❤❤❤… And I LOVE that she wears it 🙌🏾

[@johnmurray6636]

This lady is incredible

[@gregatx253]

This really touches my heart 🥲💕. I love seeing people so passionate and in love with their favorite things ❤

[@kplus25]

She had an exhibition with many of her designs in Frankfurt about a couple of years ago. Absolutely stunning to see these pieces in real life. And I love how she combines it with other items that are not part of CDG. For example a dragon rucksack she bought in a carneval shop in Cologne. 😀

[@sandechoir]

such amazing collection its really match with her style , its art then fashion

[@dnlgarcia84]

please more like this!!!

[@ericavillanueva6983]

The way she expressed her gratitude and shared that she wears her collection.

[@cityonfoot6023]

Wow. Just. beautiful. And I'm just so happy to stumble upon this feature of her who enjoys these clothes for what they are and what they reveal to her when she wears them.

[@JennidavismakeupHouston]

I sat here smiling thru this video start to end. ☺️😍 this was such a treat learning about a fashion artist that tbh I most likely wouldn’t have discovered on my own. Plus all the history of the artist, and her journey while building the collection had me so intrigued. While trying them on Michelle truly brought every piece to life as she twirled and holds them close to her. cherishing each memory that they brought to her.

[@grantipanties]

Love this new series. Please create more!

[@REALS_HUB]

Vogue is an amazing brand, this collections are wonderful..... I love the apparels

[@aidahoe2946]

She is living her life

[@imanijohnson4378]

Idk why I got emotional watching this but this was such an affirming video

[@bhargavigarimella7754]

This made me cry ❤️ fashion is everything

[@BILLIONAIREMH]

Literally ART!!

[@alvarolopez6503]

Michelle is exceptional, I encourage everyone to follow her on instagram. She lives life on an exclamation point.

[@goldenlabelstudio]

On it!

[@C.G.C-Solution-Tv]

They all looks beautiful

[@cillamoke]

She’s gorgeous, genuine and refreshing xx

[@dimithryyy]

she just breathes fashion and full of adoration for comme. lovely video

[@theycallmeshug]

She literally has an art museum in her house

[@rachelle.alexis]

I live for her energy

[@The70sChick]

Speaking of CdG, I absolutely love many of their fragrances. My favorite is CdG's Series 2: Red Carnation. I also love Wonderwood.

[@YooooooOoooooOooooi]

This is literally my dream collection

[@tierritamojada]

She's so beautiful and happy, I love everyhing about this video ❤

[@Hanoszka]

"I love this dress. It reminds me of being a lobster. Divine happiness" 🌊

[@YJY]

I wanna see every single pieces of her collection!!!!!!!!

[@solademipreciousopeyemi8047]

She is just wonderfully blessed😎

[@mnaoitb1]

i LOVE michelle. she has such a beautiful effervescent personality that brings such light to such heavy, powerful, radical clothes.