Inspired by the vastness of outer space, the artistic director of Kenzo brought down little elements from the universe, that could appreciate the rich Japanese tradition that flows in its latest Fall Winter 2024 collection.
The LVMH-owned brand endeavored to chronicle the cross-cultural interactions that unfolded between the East and West, America and Japan. Cleverly, the collection sought to establish a connection similar to the way George Lucas’ Star Wars drew inspiration from the samurai films of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa to create the costumes. Strange yet seamlessly synchronized.
Both women’s and men’s collections serve as a fusion of two realms, grounded in Japanese tradition yet enriched with elements from the vast galaxies.
The connection is evident in a kimono coat that takes on the shape of a warrior’s cape, while radiant silver and golden ensembles evoke the attire of a space-fiction heroine.
Kimonos are reimagined using quilted nylon, and denim, as well as tailoring and shirting fabrics. A pattern inspired by fifteenth-century Edo Komon, kimonos undergo a transformation, reappearing as a star constellation in both prints and embroideries.
The collection abounds with Western military-inspired attire, featuring flight jackets, expansive cargo suits, and shearling jackets.
For women, the silhouettes feature waist-nipping judo belts, while men’s attire showcases gakuran schoolboy suits crafted from technical wool and denim in shades of red, black, and khaki.
Intricate patterns include a weave inspired by Japanese hakeshi baten firemen’s jackets, presented in nylon, jacquards, and denim.
Hosted at the prestigious Bibliothèque Nationale de France on Rue Vivienne, close to Kenzo’s headquarters, Zayn Malik, Pharrell Williams, and the recently appointed President and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group, Michael Burke, were in attendance.
