AZ Factory, the fashion brand created by the late Alber Elbaz in partnership with Richemont, is once again embracing its strategy of collaborating with emerging designers. This time, the label has joined forces with Finnish designer Jenny Hytönen, who recently received top honors at the 2022 Hyères Festival.
Hytönen, a 26-year-old designer hailing from Helsinki, is renowned for her expertise in knitwear and leather. Her work is characterized by her intricate technical skills and dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, as well as her penchant for incorporating experimental technology into her designs. At the Hyères Festival, she showcased a striking collection that expertly blended punk and BDSM aesthetics with a touch of glamour and sensuality. Her garments ranged from sheer, crystal-adorned knitwear to edgy recycled leather adorned with studs. One particularly standout piece was a meticulously created wedding dress featuring a transparent left side, revealing a scarlet LED light pulsating like a heartbeat.
Following her triumphant showing at the Hyères Festival, Hytönen has already collaborated on capsule collections with Galeries Lafayette and Icicle. Now, she has been offered the opportunity to create 10 looks for AZ Factory, which will be unveiled during a presentation at Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
This collaboration between AZ Factory and Hytönen underscores the brand’s commitment to supporting emerging designers and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. Previous collaborations have included partnerships with French designer Lora Sonney and Tennessy Thoreson. In 2022, Cyril Bourez became the first emerging designer to stage a show with AZ Factory during haute couture week.
The partnership between AZ Factory and Hytönen promises to be a mutually beneficial opportunity. Hytönen’s distinct artistic vision and technical prowess will undoubtedly inject a fresh perspective into AZ Factory’s collections. Working with a label that is renowned for its innovation and boundary-pushing will expose Hytönen to invaluable experiences and significant industry recognition.
As AZ Factory forges ahead in shaping the future of fashion, it remains dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and forging collaborations with designers who bring something unique to the table. The collaboration with Jenny Hytönen stands as a testament to AZ Factory’s unwavering commitment to supporting and promoting the next generation of leaders in the fashion industry.
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