Nigo, a highly respected designer known for his brand A Bathing Ape, made a stellar debut at Kenzo during Paris menswear season. The show, held at Galerie Vivienne, drew a massive crowd of fashion enthusiasts and social media fans. The presence of celebrities Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, who is also Nigo’s design partner, added to the excitement.
Nigo’s collection showcased his ability to skillfully incorporate classic Kenzo elements. The show opened with plaid blanket coats for both men and women, followed by a plethora of floral prints that are iconic to the brand. Nigo captured the fusion of Japanese sensibility and Parisian style that Kenzo is known for, featuring naive print denim, scarves, blue carnation bovver boots, and silk gilets. He even added faux military medals as a nod to the brand’s history of bringing together different influences. Playful stencil prints featuring fashion sketches and a variety of stylish berets were also featured, showcasing Nigo’s unique style.
Before joining Kenzo, Nigo had already established himself as a reputable designer through his brand A Bathing Ape. He has also collaborated with luxury brands such as Fendi and Louis Vuitton, both of which are part of the LVMH conglomerate. Nigo’s role in introducing Virgil Abloh to Michael Burke, which eventually led to Abloh’s appointment at Vuitton, further solidifies his influence in the fashion industry.
Previous designers at Kenzo had faced criticism for overusing the tiger print, which became synonymous with the brand. However, Nigo took the tiger motif to new heights by incorporating it into couture-like baseball jackets and chunky après-ski sweaters. While he showcased impressive tailoring with natty Prince of Wales, plaid, and chalk-stripe suits, some were hidden under mini kimonos, which seemed unnecessary. The inclusion of bulbous padded parkas, a trend seen on many runways this season, received mixed reviews.
Despite a few minor flaws, Nigo’s debut collection at Kenzo was undeniably powerful. He paid homage to the brand’s DNA while infusing his own DJ-inspired twist. It may not have been a perfect home run, but it was certainly a great start for Nigo at Kenzo.
For more information on Nigo and his debut at Kenzo, you can check out the following links:
– Vogue: Nigo’s Debut at Kenzo Men’s Show
– Harper’s Bazaar: Nigo’s Debut Collection Review
