Is Anti Social Social Club Still Cool? A Brutally Honest Comparison with Comme des Garçons
Enter Comme des Garcons (CdG)—the Japanese powerhouse that's less about followers and more about forward-thinking fashion. So, is ASSC still cool in 2025? Let's get brutally honest and compare it head-to-head with Comme des Garçons.
Back in 2015, ASSC was the underground brand. With cryptic captions, sadboy aesthetics, and minimalist designs, it felt raw, relatable, and rebellious. Neek Lurk turned a hoodie into a statement of emotional detachment. And it worked—for a while.
Comme des Garçons didn't need internet hype. It thrived on mystique . Since 1969, Rei Kawakubo's label has challenged the norm with genderless silhouettes, torn fabrics, and asymmetry that makes runway critics swoon. While ASSC screamed on social media, CdG whispered in fashion houses—and still got heard.
Let's be honest: once you've seen one Anti Social Social Club piece, you've seen most of them. The font stays the same. The slogans—'I Miss You,' 'Get Weird,' 'Mind Games'—do rotate, but the design concept doesn't evolve much.
CdG doesn't follow trends—it sets them. Think deconstruction, abstraction, surrealism in clothing form. One collection could be punk; the next, a wearable sculpture. It's unpredictable, and that's the charm.
ASSC's cool factor relied heavily on scarcity. But the repeated drops, lack of innovation, and sketchy order fulfillment have caused hypebeasts to move on. Let's face it—ASSC isn't at the center of the culture anymore.
Meanwhile, CdG sits comfortably on a pedestal in both high fashion and streetwear circles. It doesn't need to be flashy—it's respected because it consistently delivers something different.
Frequent complaints about slow shipping, missing orders, and underwhelming fabric quality plague ASSC. It's one thing to be cool, but another to be trustworthy.
Crafted largely in Japan, CdG pieces hold up to scrutiny. Stitching, fit, finish—everything screams premium. You're not just buying a piece of clothing; you're buying a concept, meticulously constructed.
ASSC's cultural currency has dropped. The novelty of its ironic statements has worn off, and other newer, bolder streetwear brands are filling the void.
From Paris Fashion Week to collaborations with major labels like Nike and Supreme, CdG keeps climbing. It's shaping culture while others are struggling to keep up.
Sure, Kanye, Travis Scott, and Kim Kardashian gave ASSC a push. But that was years ago. Celebrity attention is fleeting unless the brand evolves with them.
CdG doesn't chase celebrity endorsements—they come naturally. Pharrell, Rihanna, Drake, Frank Ocean—all have worn CdG not because it's hyped, but because it's iconic.
Hello Kitty. Formula 1. USPS. Fragment. Too many collabs dilute a brand's identity. ASSC's strategy sometimes feels more like quantity over quality.
CdG collaborates less often, but when it does—people pay attention. Nike, Converse, Junya Watanabe—it's about synergy, not stunts.
ASSC is cheaper—around $60–$120 per piece—but the value is questionable when shipping delays and fabric issues keep stacking up.
CdG costs more, but it's a legitimate investment. Pieces retain value, both financially and artistically.
ASSC thrived on limited drops and FOMO. But now that the mystery is gone, so is much of the excitement.
CdG doesn't fade. Its designs from the '90s are still discussed today. It doesn't ride the wave—it is the wave.
Type 'ASSC shipping' into Reddit or Twitter—you'll find a graveyard of complaints. Orders taking months? Not cool.
CdG isn't Amazon-speed fast, but it's reliable. Whether you're shopping online or in a flagship store, the experience feels deliberate and high-end.
ASSC built its brand on Instagram. It still has a solid following, but engagement has dipped—and that's telling.
CdG doesn't chase clout. Its fanbase is smaller but fiercely loyal. They're not just buyers—they're believers.
You used to see ASSC everywhere—now, not so much. It's become more common on resale sites than on streets.
CdG is worn by everyone from artists to fashion editors to sneakerheads. Its cross-demographic appeal makes it perpetually relevant.
ASSC sticks to basics. CdG dares to explore. One is comfort; the other is challenge.
Let's be honest—ASSC's appeal feels very 2016. CdG? It's ageless, because it's art—not just apparel.
Same font. Same hoodie. Different color. Repeat. ASSC hasn't shown much willingness to evolve creatively.
CdG isn't afraid to be weird . And that's exactly why it keeps breaking new ground and influencing other designers.
So, is Anti Social Social Club still cool? If you're asking from a 2025 lens, probably not as much as it used to be. The hype has fizzled, the designs are stagnant, and customer trust is shaky.
In contrast, Comme des Garçons continues to innovate, inspire, and influence. While ASSC was once the face of internet-era streetwear, CdG is the soul of experimental fashion. One is a trend—the other is a legacy.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
23 minutes ago
- CNBC
Asian visitors to Japan fell because of a strange manga prediction. Here's why
Visitor interest in Japan plunged in June, amid a prophecy in a manga that predicted a "disaster" would strike Japan in July 2025. The prediction was in a 2021 reprint of a Japanese comic book, or manga, titled "Watashi ga Mita Mirai, Kanzenban" (which translates to "The Future That I Saw, Complete Edition") by artist Ryo Tatsuki. In the original printing of the book in 1999, the cover page referenced a "disaster in March 2011." In March 2011, Japan suffered its most powerful earthquake on record, the Great Tohoku Earthquake, which caused almost 20,000 deaths and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The Amazon listing for the reprint stated that the author had "new prophetic dreams" including the "real disaster will come in July 2025," according to a Google translation. CN Yuen, managing director of Hong Kong-based travel agency WWPKG told CNBC that the rumor was widely circulated in Hong Kong, where it spread over mainstream media, TV networks and through YouTube influencers. Visitors arrivals from Hong Kong plunged 33.4% year on year in June, following an earlier 11.2% drop in May, according to Japan's National Tourism Organization. Yuen said his agency has seen a 50% decrease in bookings and inquiries in April and May to Japan from last year. Tourist arrivals from other Asian countries also experienced slower growth. Arrivals from South Korea rose just 3.8% in June compared with May's 11.8%. Arrivals from Taiwan slowed significantly as well, from a 15.5% increase in May to 1.8% in June. Overseas visitors to Japan grew 24%, on average, from January to May of this year, compared to 2024. But June arrivals only saw a 7.6% increase, according to Japan's travel statistics. WWPKG's Yuen said he is used to travel downturns related to natural disasters, which usually end after the incident is over. But "this time, it's different, because nothing happened actually. It's only a rumor, or prophecy," he told CNBC. "This is the first time we've seen such an incident." Hong Kong and Japanese media reported earlier in July that Hong Kong airlines cut flights to some Japanese cities, including Nagoya. A January report from Japan's Asahi Shimbun, citing the country's Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion, also warned that the likelihood of a megaquake in the next 30 years had risen to 80%—a development that, combined with the prediction, created a "perfect storm" to deter travelers, Yuen said. However, Japan's Meteorological Agency said: "It should be noted that the issuance of information indicating elevated potential for a Nankai Trough earthquake does not necessarily mean that one will actually strike." JNTO data showed that the share of Asian tourists fell year on year in June, but that of Western countries rose. Experts CNBC spoke to gave various reasons, including cultural ones. "Manga is not just entertainment; it is widely read across age groups and carries a bit of cultural authority in some Asian societies," said Zimbayah Kamble, a senior lecturer for hospitality at James Cook University. That, combined with memories of past disasters and the reality of Japan's seismic vulnerability, mean that such warnings "resonate strongly" in the region, she said. Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management from the Singapore Institute of Management, said the rapid spread of the rumors through social media platforms and the collectivist nature of many Asian societies led to a social amplification of perceived risk. "This means that even if some individuals have doubts, the collective response of their community or peers can significantly influence their decisions, leading to widespread behavioral changes, such as travel cancelations," Kiatkawsin said. "In this case, a fictional narrative amplified by social media could have created a compelling, if scientifically unfounded reason to defer travel," he said. But both experts also pointed to a more ordinary reason: the flexibility of short-haul travel. Kiatkawsin said the costs of canceling the flights and hotel bookings are not perceived as a barrier anymore. "If they do not travel to Japan this time, they can go another time without much hassle to arrange again," he said he does not expect the prediction will affect Japan's overall travel outlook, given that the prediction is restricted to the month of July.
Eater
an hour ago
- Eater
Under-the-Radar New Restaurants to Check Out in Los Angeles, July 2025
is an editor of the Southern California/Southwest region, who covers the evolving landscape of LA's food scene. Brand new restaurants open every day across the Southland, usually without too much fanfare. This periodic compilation highlights some of the most notable and under-the-radar places that have sprouted up recently. From the San Fernando Valley to the South Bay, from the Westside to the San Gabriel Valley — let's dive right in. For the biggest restaurant openings in town, check out this companion list. Venice— Venice just gained a new hangout inspired by sun-drenched Italian summers. Venice Beach Club, a new restaurant from the team behind Dive Palm Springs and and Supperclub Hollywood, serves an approachable, easygoing menu with dishes like pizza, burgers, steak frites, and crudo. Wine, beer, cocktails, and zero-proof drinks are also available. 2 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. Koreatown— The One Jokbal, a new Korean restaurant specializing in pig trotters, opened in Koreatown in June. The restaurant specializes in three types of jokbal — spicy, barbecue, and garlic — available by themselves, or in combinations with rice balls and bossam. The restaurant also serves a handful of other dishes including tteokbokki, a spicy buckwheat noodle salad, and build-your-own rice balls. 338 S. Western Avenue, Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Canoga Park— Crane & Elephant, a new Japanese restaurant, landed in Canoga Park this summer, bringing a new destination for ramen, curry, and more to the San Fernando Valley. The menu comprises starters like gyoza and takoyaki, alongside tonkotsu ramen, beef curry, udon soup, and more. 22205 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303. Studio City— The Windy City comes to Los Angeles at Pearl's Red Hots, a new hamburger and hot dog joint in Studio City that opened in June. Try the Klassic Kraut Dog with sauerkraut, mustard, and onion on a poppyseed bun, or the Pearl with chili, mustard, and onion. Pearl's also offers Italian beef sandwiches, smash burgers, and sides like onion rings. 4359 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604.
Hypebeast
3 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Junya Watanabe MAN x Reigning Champ Reprises SS25 Runway Patchwork
Reactivating their perennial collaborations,Junya Watanabe MANandReigning Champhave released a special set reprising details from the Japanese designer's Spring Summer 2025 show in Paris last year. Honing in on Watanabe's affinity for deconstruction, the set centers on the tartan patches that the designer threaded through the collection. The hoodie and pants are made from Reigning Champ's Midweight Terry, an ideal cotton fabric for the hot and humid summer months, while also offering comfort in transitional seasons. Unlike the casualwear label's typical sizing, the special capsule is comes in Junya Watanabe's Japanese sizing system. Overlapping patches feature various check patterns from black and red flannel check to more traditional tartans reminiscent of vintage British textiles. Elsewhere, the prints are contrasted with color-blocked panels, including a red corduroy patch and frayed black denim patch. While the standard fit hoodie focuses the appliques on the torso, the relaxed fit pants concentrate the patches at the knees. Abstract black stitching over some of the patches recalls the Japanese mending tradition of sashiko, a visible repair method that embraces the character of stitched mends. Many of the fine details that appear in the capsule were turned up to 100 in the original collection, including completely patchworked tailoring and hybrid denim jackets. Shop the limited edition Junya Watanabe MAN x Reigning Champ collection now at the officialReigning Champ webstore. Stay tuned to Hypebeast for the latest fashion industry insights.
