SS24: Kenzo Immerses us in a City Pop Symphony
For women, the collection emphasizes an intensified elegant design through the use of lightweight layering and translucent fabrics. These elements, adorned with refreshed archival motifs, create a graceful silhouette that exudes refinement. The creative collaboration between NIGO and the Japanese graphic artist Verdy adds an additional layer of uniqueness. Verdy, a longtime friend of NIGO, interprets the KENZO logo in his distinctive swashed font, resulting in striking visuals that embellish garments and accessories.
To accompany the collection, a specially curated soundtrack by Cornelius, a contemporary musician and occasional collaborator of NIGO since the mid-1990s, reflects the essence of City Pop. The music serves as a reminder of the interplay between fashion and music, as well as the shared admiration that NIGO and Cornelius have for the genre. City Pop played a significant role in post-war Japan, coinciding with some of Kenzo Takada's most memorable moments. NIGO sees the recent global reevaluation of the genre by a younger generation as a powerful metaphor for the enduring relevance of the KENZO legacy in contemporary fashion.
It demonstrates how a style and culture originating from a specific time and place can transcend boundaries and captivate new audiences with its timeless appeal. By incorporating Japanese and Western aesthetics and infusing the exuberance of City Pop, the collection celebrates the past while embracing the present, leaving an enduring impact on the fashion landscape.