A new collaboration between Kenzo and Kansai Yamamoto

When I first joined KENZO in July 2019, I immediately started thinking about the artists, designers, and creators I wanted to collaborate with.

One of the ideas that first came to mind was the collaboration between Kansai Yamamoto and Kenzo.

Although the entirety of their work is very distinct, the relationships and links between the two are manifold.

they are first designers Japanese arrive in Europe; Kenzo Takada in Paris in the late XNUMXs and Kansai in London in the early XNUMXs. Both revolutionized the world of fashion with their colorful and practical masterpieces – and in their own distinct ways, they pioneered the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

Kenzo and Kansai were obsessed with the animal world, and both endlessly reinterpreted traditional images of animals in Japanese art. Animal prints often took on the character of pop/manga designs in Kansai designs, while at KENZO it was more and more about celebrating and interacting with nature.

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But what really got me started with this idea is their common drive for joy, intuition, and freedom. What a fun idea to start a conversation between these two fashion pioneers and troublemakers. Only their energy and punch remained the same, against the background of Movida, the Spanish cultural movement of the early XNUMXs. The starting point for working with my team on this set was to go through all these references.

I met Kenzo for the first time in Paris in July 2019 and Kansai in August 2019. After getting approval from the two friends, we started working on the set. Motifs and artwork drawn from the Kansai archives have been reinterpreted and blended with archival prints from KENZO. The clothes were very simple and realistic.

Get inspired by Balmain's winter outfit from the ready-to-wear collection

Kenzo and Kansai believe in the convenience of “easy-going” clothing and both believe that fashion should speak to everyone.

With this in mind, we followed a group of young Parisian friends: actors, photographers, and models. I know some of them so I've had photo sessions with them. We wanted to keep it natural and spontaneous. It is a true celebration of life.

I think this is how Kenzo and Kansai would like to be remembered. Both have dedicated their lives to spreading joy in the world through their work. My favorite piece of clothing is a black shirt with a Kansai tiger head on the front and back, Japanese calligraphy written by Kansai Yamamoto himself, and with three lines: Kenzo, Kansai, and Philip.

They both tragically passed away recently - which is what gives this collaboration a very special meaning to me, and ultimately this work is a tribute to them and their incredible talents.

Philip Oliveira Baptista

The set will be available from 30 November 2020 In KENZO stores worldwide and on the website KENZO.com