19 Brands Like Yohji for Avant-Garde Fashion Lovers

Discover avant-garde brands like Yohji Yamamoto that offer wearable art with rebellious, sculptural designs. Elevate your style with poetic, cool silhouettes.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're obsessed with the masterful, avant-garde world of Yohji Yamamoto, you get it. His designs are more than just clothes, they're wearable art - sculptural, rebellious, and defined by those signature oversized silhouettes and poetic use of black. He creates a look that is both deeply thoughtful and effortlessly cool.

But when you're looking to expand your wardrobe with that same artistic, boundary-pushing energy, where do you turn? For those who love Yohji's unique vision, here are 19 similar brands that serve up incredible avant-garde fashion.

1. Issey Miyake

A true master of technical innovation, Issey Miyake is famous for his signature micro-pleating and mind-bending fabric manipulations. He creates sculptural, futuristic pieces that are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear. You’ll find everything from accessories starting at $300 to statement pleated coats over $2,500.

Like Yohji, he creates architectural silhouettes, but Miyake’s approach is more focused on technological fabrics and playful shapes. While Yohji's world is often dark and asymmetrical, Issey Miyake isn't afraid to incorporate vibrant colors and textures, making it a brighter, more technical cousin.

Shop now at isseymiyake.com

2. Comme des Garçons

Founded by the legendary Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons is a universe of its own. It’s synonymous with deconstruction, asymmetry, and rule-breaking fashion that continually challenges what clothing can be. With pieces ranging from $400 to over $3,000, CDG pushes the envelope with raw edges, unexpected shapes, and a distinctly rebellious spirit.

If you love Yohji’s intellectual approach, you'll feel right at home with CDG. The key difference is the attitude - where Yohji is poetic and monastic, Comme des Garçons is often more provocative, chaotic, and punk-infused. It’s for the fashion lover who truly wants to wear art.

Shop now at comme-des-garcons.com

3. Rick Owens

Known as the "Lord of Darkness," Rick Owens has carved out a distinct niche with his gothic, glam-rock meets dystopian-monk aesthetic. His collections are filled with elongated silhouettes, dramatic draping, and a moody, monochromatic color palette, with prices from $500 for basics to over $5,000 for his iconic leather jackets.

If Yohji exists in a world of quiet poetry, Rick Owens operates in a grungier, architectural reality. Both designers favor black and sculptural forms, but Rick’s vibe is raw, primal, and infused with a rebellious rock-and-roll energy that has built him a cult-like following.

Shop now at rickowens.eu

4. Ann Demeulemeester

Part of the legendary Antwerp Six, Ann Demeulemeester is the master of dark romance. Her designs feature fluid draping, layers of monochrome fabric, asymmetry, and a sense of poetic melancholy that feels both delicate and strong. Expect pieces in the $600 to $2,500 range.

Her work shares Yohji's moody elegance and intellectual flair, but Demeulemeester’s touch is softer and more explicitly romantic. It's avant-garde fashion for the modern-day poet, characterized by languid silhouettes and a quiet strength.

Shop now at anndemeulemeester.com

5. Junya Watanabe

A protégé of Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe is a design genius known for his conceptual "techno-couture." He masterfully deconstructs and reconstructs classic garments - like bomber jackets and denim - using technical fabrics, intricate patchworking, and avant-garde silhouettes. His main line typically ranges from $300 to $2,500.

Both he and Yohji share a love for unconventional shapes, but Junya leans more into utilitarian and streetwear codes. If you appreciate Yohji’s experimental tailoring but also love innovative, technical materials, Junya Watanabe's work is a must-see.

Shop now at doverstreetmarket.com

6. Haider Ackermann

Haider Ackermann is the king of effortless cool and sensual draping. Known for beautiful tailoring, rich textures, and jewel-toned color palettes, his designs have a sense of relaxed luxury and artistic flair. Clothing ranges from around $800 into the thousands.

While Ackermann's work is more opulent and less deconstructed than Yohji's, he shares a masterful understanding of how fabric moves on the body. It’s a more polished and colorful take on romantic, sculptural dressing, perfect for those seeking elegance with an unconventional edge.

Shop now at haiderackermann.com

7. Damir Doma

Damir Doma offers a quieter, more refined take on avant-garde fashion. His designs marry minimalist silhouettes with soft, textured fabrics and muted earth tones, featuring elongated layers and a sense of understated artistry. Pieces are often in the $400 to $2,000 range.

Like Yohji, he focuses on form and material, creating clothing that feels both artistic and personal. However, Doma’s approach is gentler and more wearable, making him a great choice for those who want subtle, architectural pieces that feel both modern and organic.

Shop now at damirdoma.com

8. Rick Owens DRKSHDW

DRKSHDW is Rick Owens’ more accessible, streetwear-oriented line. It delivers his signature dark, elongated aesthetic in more casual fabrics like denim and jersey. Think perfectly draped tees, oversized hoodies, and his famous high-top sneakers, with prices from about $150 to $1,200.

This is where Yohji’s oversized vibe meets everyday comfort. If you can’t get enough of the dark, sculptural look but want to incorporate it into your daily wardrobe, DRKSHDW is your go-to.

Shop now at rickowens.eu

9. Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela built its legacy on deconstruction, anonymity, and conceptual fashion. The house transforms everyday items into high-art masterpieces, playing with proportions, unfinished hems, and visible construction details. It has a broad range, from $300 accessories to artisanal couture pieces over $4,000.

Both Margiela and Yohji see clothing as a site of intellectual exploration. But where Yohji drapes, Margiela re-engineers, famously reconstructing vintage pieces and creating trompe l'oeil effects. It's the perfect brand for anyone intrigued by the process *behind* the seams.

Shop now at maisonmargiela.com

10. Viktor & Rolf

These Dutch designers blur the line between fashion and art with their highly conceptual, often surrealist creations. Known for exaggerated silhouettes and thought-provoking runway shows, Viktor & Rolf treat fashion as a medium for storytelling, with a price point well into the luxury sphere ($1,000+).

While Yohji’s art is understated and integrated into wearable pieces, Viktor & Rolf lean into theatrics and drama. Their work is bolder and more theatrical, making them a great fit for avant-garde lovers who want their clothes to make an unforgettable statement.

Shop now at viktor-rolf.com

11. Craig Green

British designer Craig Green is lauded for his sculptural, uniform-like designs that blend experimental art with workwear functionality. His collections are recognized by their distinct straps, quilting, and modular components, often in bold, primary colors. Prices range from about $300 to $2,500.

Green shares Yohji's innovative approach to structure and form but channels it through a much more tactical, utilitarian lens. His pieces feel like spiritual armor, offering protection and expression simultaneously - perfect for those who appreciate functional art.

Shop now at craig-green.com

12. A.F. Vandevorst

This Belgian label blends military aesthetics with dark romance and Victorian inspirations. The now-archival collections of A.F. Vandevorst often featured sharp tailoring, deconstructed elements, and signature details like the red cross motif. Prices for their sought-after pieces range from $600 to $2,500 on resale markets.

If you're drawn to Yohji's dark, poetic vision, you'll love A.F. Vandevorst's rebellious, moody vibe. Their aesthetic adds a touch of gothic history and equestrian flair to the avant-garde world, creating a powerful fusion of uniforms and sensuality.

Shop now at afvandevorst.be

13. Boris Bidjan Saberi

Boris Bidjan Saberi merges streetwear influences with artisanal craftsmanship to create what he calls "human-centric" clothing. His collections feature raw-edged, body-molded leather jackets, heavily textured knitwear, and elongated silhouettes, usually in dark, organic tones. Pieces typically fall in the $400 to $3,000+ bracket.

Like Yohji, Saberi has a meticulous focus on material and fit, but his vibe is more rugged and urban. With details pulled from skate culture and Middle Eastern heritage, his work is perfect for those who want architectural clothing with a hard-hitting streetwear spirit.

Shop now at borisbidjansaberi.com

14. Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme

This line is the heart of Yohji's menswear universe, encapsulating his iconic philosophy of relaxed tailoring and unconventional silhouettes. It features deconstructed blazers, wide-leg trousers, and fluid shirts that reject formal constraints. Prices align with the mainline, often starting from $1,200.

Consider it the primary source code for Yohji's aesthetic. While the mainline offers a broader range, 'Pour Homme' is a concentrated dose of his masterful menswear tailoring and anti-fashion ideology. For any true Yohji fan, this is the definitive collection to explore.

Shop now at yohjiyamamoto.co.jp

15. Toga

Japanese brand Toga, particularly its men’s line Toga Virilis, mixes Western elements with an avant-garde Japanese sensibility. Designer Yasuko Furuta is known for her unexpected layering, mixed-media fabrics, and intricate hardware details on everything from boots to shirts. The price point is in the accessible luxury range of $200-$1,500.

Toga shares Yohji’s experimental spirit but with a more eclectic, youthful vibe. It often incorporates sharp details like bold buckles and Western embroidery into its deconstructed shapes, making it a great choice for those who want avant-garde pieces with a pop of personality.

Shop now at toga.jp

16. Jil Sander

Jil Sander is the epitome of luxurious, razor-sharp minimalism. With creative direction from Lucie and Luke Meier, the brand offers impeccably clean lines, sculptural tailoring, and a reserved, neutral color palette. Pieces are priced firmly in the luxury tier, often starting around $1,000.

This brand provides a contrasting take on thoughtful design. While Yohji finds freedom in draping and volume, Jil Sander discovers it in precision and purity of form. It's the perfect choice for an art-lover who prefers refined structure over rebellious deconstruction.

Shop now at jilsander.com

17. Lemaire

Lemaire creates timeless, understated Parisian chic with a subtle, architectural touch. Helmed by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, the brand is known for its beautiful fabrics, relaxed yet precise cuts, and a sophisticated, earthy color palette. Prices typically range from $400 to $2,500.

If you appreciate the quiet confidence and fabric-first philosophy of Yohji but want something less dramatic for daily life, Lemaire is perfect. It offers a softer, more grounded approach to design, focusing on creating a uniform of elevated, modern classics.

Shop now at lemaire.fr

18. Acronym

The undisputed champion of techwear, Acronym creates hyper-functional, futuristic clothing designed for urban survival. Founded by Errolson Hugh, the brand incorporates cutting-edge materials and ingenious details like removable jackets and magnetic closures. Its technical outerwear and pants are highly coveted and sell for $500 to over $3,000.

Like Yohji, Acronym rethinks a garment’s purpose and form. But instead of focusing on poetic drape, Acronym obsesses over functionality and performance. It's the ultimate brand for those who see clothing as high-spec gear and want avant-garde design rooted in engineered utility.

Shop now at acrnm.com

19. Undercover

Founded by Jun Takahashi, Undercover brilliantly merges punk chaos with high-fashion detail. It's a brand built on cinematic and counter-cultural references, delivering surreal graphics, deconstructed streetwear silhouettes, and technically sublime outerwear. Prices range from about $200 for graphic tees to several thousand for runway pieces.

Undercover shares Yohji's Japanese avant-garde roots and love for dark aesthetics, but its energy is more disruptive and story-driven. If you appreciate Yohji's world-building but crave a narrative infused with streetwear grit and pop-culture subversion, Undercover is your next obsession.

Shop now at store.undercoverism.com

At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.