Comme Des Gar?ons
Comme des Gar?ons, which literally means "like the boys" in French, is a Japanese fashion brand known for its avant-garde designs. Founded in 1969 by designer Rei Kawakubo, the brand has become a global icon for its unique clothing, fragrances, and accessories. Their fashion pieces often embrace asymmetry, unconventional fabrications, and deconstructed shapes. Known for pushing the limits of what is considered fashionable, Comme des Gar?ons has captured the attention of the fashion world for over 50 years.
Windows Phone in Japan
Microsoft released its Windows Phone operating system in Japan in 2011, hoping to compete with the well-established iOS and Android platforms. The phone was initially marketed as an alternative to the dominant players in the market, but it struggled to gain traction. Despite being praised for its unique design and user interface, the device was unable to compete with the big players in the market. With declining sales, Microsoft eventually discontinued the phone in 2017, leaving the Japanese market with very few options for alternative operating systems.
Cosme 大赏: Japanese Beauty Standards and the Obsession with Skin Whitening
Cosme 大赏, which translates to Cosme Awards, is an annual beauty award in Japan that recognizes the best beauty products in the market. However, one trend that continues to dominate the awards is the obsession with skin whitening. In Japan and other Asian countries, lighter skin has been associated with beauty and elegance for centuries. This obsession has driven the cosmetics industry to develop a wide range of skin whitening products, from lotions and creams to pills and injections. Despite the potential health risks associated with skin whitening, the trend continues to be popular among Japanese women and men, who view it as a symbol of status and success.
