The dynamic fashion duo of Carol Lim and Humberto Leon bid a fond farewell to the iconic fashion house of Kenzo in a truly memorable show held in Paris. The event, which drew a crowd of 5,000 at the prestigious Bercy concert hall, left attendees in awe with its grandeur and creativity. Lim and Leon, known for their boundary-pushing designs, pulled out all the stops for their final collection, showcasing their unique vision and impeccable craftsmanship.
The show kicked off with a breathtaking display featuring large curtains adorned with battleships and rock formations, setting the stage for what was to come. The collection itself was a mix of avant-garde and wearable pieces, with color-blocking sportswear for men, river-runner sneakers, ikat paddy-field pants, and innovative judogi jackets inspired by inner-city life.
The women’s designs were equally stunning, featuring thigh-high boots, cargo shorts, metallic tech-y tops, flamenco ruffled tops, and pearl-encrusted garments inspired by Japanese Ama divers. The evening looks were nothing short of spectacular, with models donning pearl-encrusted flapper dresses and sporting jaw-dropping 1.50-meter-long hair extensions.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a show-stopping solo performance by the talented Solange, accompanied by a top-tier brass section of jazz musicians. Although Humberto Leon hinted at a possible return to the fashion scene in the future, for now, the duo will focus on their successful boutique chain, Opening Ceremony, based in New York.
While Lim and Leon’s departure from Kenzo marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their fashion careers. Their legacy at Kenzo is one of innovation, creativity, and trendsetting that will continue to inspire and influence the fashion industry for years to come.
For more information on Carol Lim and Humberto Leon’s groundbreaking work at Kenzo, check out Vogue’s coverage and Business of Fashion’s analysis.
