Fashion guru likes to keep a low profile

Most designers are narcissistic peacocks who want to get as much press as possible for themselves. Not so with Japanese avant-garde label Comme des Garcons' founder Rei Kawakubo (above). Local agent I.T. opened a new three-floor shop last Friday in On Lan Street, Central, and the reclusive designer and her husband arrived that morning for the opening. However, she declined to do any press. In fact, interview requests for her were deferred to her husband, whom the publicist said could 'speak for her'. Kawakubo was sociable enough to join I.T. executives for a post-launch dinner at Wan Chai's Ingredients that night.