Did you know? Issue 4: Comme des Garcons: PLAY

Hello hello

Do you remember there would be days you swear everyone is wearing the same thing, that same heart T-shirt but...can't quite put a finger on the designer? Well Did you know that the famous Heart bug eyed logo is from the line PLAY by Comme des Garcons. Comme des Garcons is a line that was designed for a younger target audience, including casual streetwear like t-shirts, sweaters and vest but stop right there, that's not the [Did you know] for the day, read on:)

You might have already known that previous little fun fact but let me ask you another question. Do you know how or who designed the famous Heart bug eye logo that is taking over the streets?

Here comes the [DID YOU KNOW]

Did you know that the famous Heart bug eye we know and love today is actually a collaboration with a New York graphic artist by the name of Filip Pagowski. Before the famous PLAY logo was established, Filip Pagowski actually worked closely with Comme des Garcons because his wife, Dovanna was a fashion model in the 80s. The most interesting part about this inspiring story is that, through all these mini collaborations when Rei Kawakubo [the founder of Comme des Garcons] finally discovered Filip, she had no idea that Filip had actually done so much with Comme des Garcons previously. Filip was asked for a collaboration based on his work, no strings attached, no social connections. Filip described the process of the creation of the famous PLAY logo to be rather spontaneous. An inspiration that was not preharps connected to anything but an idea of a red heart with eyes. It was immediately drawn out and it was FIRST DRAFT! raw, uneditted, the purest form of art and an idea.

What’s funny, is that Rei Kawakubo, did not realize I did all these things with CdG before. She “discovered” my work and wanted to use me based on that and not on some social connection. The PLAY logo happened just like that! I remember working on something, while all of a sudden not connected to anything, I got this idea of a red heart with a set of eyes. I drew it instantaneously and the first draft was it. The rest is history. - Filip Pagowski

PLAY heart image happened simultaneously with, but independently of the creation of the PLAY line. It’s as if we both were affected subliminally by each other’s work. I submitted it for another CdG project, for which it never made it, but eventually it resurfaced; making bigger waves as a logo for the PLAY line.-Filip Pagowski

Over the years, I've heard the saying sooo many times, "it's who you know that matters" but is it really? Forgive me for saying this, but personally, I think that the saying actually makes the real hardwork inferior. Believe in youself, do it for yourself because hardwork always pays off, I promise. Filip has proven that statement, true talent always shines through. If you're constantly dwelling over the fact that people can't see your hardwork, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. Awards,accolades, being recognized may be great but they're temporary, if you've done your best then hey, you've got a great porfolio, no one can take your talent away. It's a win-win situation. Recognitions are just a cherry on top. The greatest victory is not to end up at the finish line but know that you did it the right way to get there. I promise, it feels so rewarding to know that you didn't need any social networking/connection, mumblejumbo to get to where you want to be. Talent and hardwork is irreplaceable.:)

Check out more of Filip Pagowski's work, website and portfolio, it's absolutely amazing!
http://www.filippagowski.com/

Good Luck
Be inspired, don't be afraid to dream.

toodles till later
x
Tammy