Kimono Sleeves and Japanese Aesthetics Take Center Stage in Kenzo’s SS24

City Pop Paris: Kenzo by Nigo Spring-Summer 2024 collection bridges East and West.

Kenzo’s Nigo presented his new women’s and men’s collection on the Passerelle Debilly, the footbridge that connects the Palais de Tokyo and the Eiffel Tower, linking contemporary creativity with the legacy of Kenzo Takada.

On the Passerelle Debilly, Nigo unveiled his highly anticipated women’s and men’s collection for Kenzo, paying homage to the legacy of the brand’s founder, Kenzo Takada, while infusing it with his own creative vision. The show took place on the Passerelle Debilly, a footbridge that connects the Palais de Tokyo and the Eiffel Tower, symbolically linking contemporary creativity with the rich heritage of Kenzo.

Drawing inspiration from his teenage years in Japan and the City Pop music genre that defined that era, Nigo curated a stylistic proposition that seamlessly blends multiple influences from both East and West. The collection reflects a fusion of Japanese and Western wardrobes, resulting in a captivating juxtaposition of traditional and modern elements.

The garments featured in the collection showcased the art of code-switching between Japanese and Western fashion aesthetics.

For example, the traditional uwagi judo jacket was reimagined as a chore jacket, while the iconic seigaiha wave print found new life in indigo denim. A kimono underwent a transformation and emerged as a down puffer jacket. These creative reinterpretations demonstrate Nigo’s ability to bridge cultural boundaries and reimagine classic pieces through his unique lens.

Japanese cutting techniques played a prominent role in the collection, with kimono sleeves making appearances on blazers and trench coats adopting a collarless design. Tailored jackets were stripped of lapels, adding a touch of modernity to classic silhouettes. The new Kenzo PXT sneaker, which stands for Paris x Tokyo, serves as an emblem of the collection’s East-meets-West stylistic DNA.

Floral prints, an iconic element dear to Kenzo Takada’s legacy, were prevalent throughout the collection. A Kenzo rose motif, inspired by the brand’s archives, adorned denim pieces as well as dresses, complementing Nigo’s signature camouflage print. Adding a fresh twist to the collection, Japanese graphic artist Verdy, a longtime friend of Nigo, interpreted the Kenzo Paris logo, which appeared prominently on clothing items and utility bags, both on the front and back.

The collection celebrated freedom and fluidity, with linen suits and body-skimming silhouettes featuring transparent effects.

The colors and flowers showcased in both feminine and masculine ensembles created an exuberant harmony, embodying the spirit of Kenzo and captivating wearers with their ready-to-wear and readily seductive appeal.

Through the City Pop Paris collection, Nigo successfully bridges the gap between East and West, paying tribute to Kenzo Takada’s legacy while infusing the brand with his own artistic vision. The result is a captivating and harmonious collection that seamlessly blends cultural influences, creating a truly unique and seductive Kenzo experience for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.