A mix of designers, editors and beauty executives recently joined fragrance supplier Robertet for a private tour of the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The tours, orchestrated by Austin Advisory Group’s Paul Austin, and led by Andrew Bolton, Chief Curator at the Costume Institute, were focused on Rei Kawakubo, the 74-year-old avant-garde fashion designer behind Comme des Garcons, and her unique creative process. The show explores the “In-Between” qualities of Rei’s work, which traverses and subverts boundaries to create new hybrid ideas.

“There are so many lessons to be learned from Rei’s creative courage, singularity of vision and vulnerability. In a sea of fragrance launches, the brands that really stand for something and stay true to their vision are those that will have longevity and enduring relevance,” said Christophe Maubert, President of Robertet’s Fragrance Division.

Rei is considered to be one of the most influential designers of the modern era and her work has consistently sought to challenge the codes of fashion. Her active embrace of commerce as a fundamental element for how she pursues creative expression is central to her work. The Comme des Garcons brand, headed by Rei and founded in 1969, has 16 different businesses – including perfume – that contributes to the company’s profitability and its ability to break new ground creatively.

The exhibit runs through September 4.