Paris Fashion Week 2022: KENZO presents its FW22 Collection

The new KENZO’S Creative Artistic Director introduced the F/W 22’ collection for Men and Women, introducing his vision for the label, which was “a meeting between Maison’s heritage and his contemporary codes,”

Japanese designer Kenzo Takada founded the “Kenzo” label in 1970, and he did so with a clear vision. He mixed traditional Asian and Japanese styles with European fashion. However, after he resigned as creative director in 1999, the brand lost its identity and receded into the backdrop of the fashion world.

DJ Nigo has been appointed the new creative director of KENZO and had the opportunity of presenting his first Fall/Winter 2022 collection for the brand, where he could portray his art, design and creativity. And it did not disappoint at all.

As part of the Paris Fashion Week Men’s Fall/Winter 2022 season, the designer’s newest line for men and women introduced his vision for the label, which was “a meeting between Maison’s heritage and his contemporary codes,” as per a press release.

The show itself took place at the Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement on Paris’ Right Bank where, in 1970, Takada founded his inaugural fashion show, 1970. Apart from the historical setting, the front row was studded with A-list invitees, including Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, Julia Fox, Pusha T, Tyler the Creator, among other artists.

The incredible pieces in the line merge the artistic director’s upbringing and career with the heritage of Takada’s transcending cultural and conventional dress codes.

For its Fall 2022 debut, floral prints and some of Takada’s 1970s sketches are recreated in garments and accessories. Other ideas from Kenzo’s archive are reintroduced, such as Harris tweed tailoring and shawl and snood collars, while Nigo’s own obsessions, such as Ivy League style and Aka-e pottery, appear as motifs. The silhouette is incredibly layered, not just literally, but with references that bridge Eastern and Western cultures. Several pieces reference the structure of a kimono.

In knitwear, Nigo explores plays of color and texture, connecting to the Maison’s beginnings. The date 1970 was also omnipresent in the show, stitched on a myriad of berets, reflecting Nigo’s birthday in Japan and the year Kenzo Takada revealed himself in Paris as a designer destined to become one of the best of his generation.

By honouring the house’s traditions and playing into the popular styles of the present, Nigo established a strong foundation for himself at this longstanding French house. Moreover, his A-list guest was perfect and, we can’t say that we are not excited to see what comes next at Kenzo.

Take a look at NIGO’s Kenzo FW22 collection.