Junya Watanabe MAN is an eponymous label under the Comme des Garcons umbrella founded in 1992. The Japan-based designer is a protege of Rei Kawakubo of CDG. Starting in 1984, Watanabe started working at Comme des Garcons as a pattern cutter and maker. In 2001, Kawakubo named Watanabe designer of CDG Homme the same year that Watanabe debuted his menswear line, Junya Watanabe MAN.  Junya Watanabe Man is known for its avant-garde approach using cutting-edge fabrics, patchwork techniques and innovative silhouettes. Watanabe is inspired by vintage men's workwear and military uniform that can be seen in many of his pieces. The use of plaids, flannels and tweeds is common in many of the pieces. The brand is known to rework denim and other materials to create unique and one of a kind pieces.  Watanabe does not pay attention to current fashion trends but instead looks at fashion's history and uses the past as inspiration. With a reputable name like Watanabe, it is of no surprise that he has managed to lock in some major collaborations including Carhartt WIP, Converse, New Balance, Levi’s and The North Face.