NIGO has lengthy been a staple title on the street model world. Because the legendary design pioneer joined KENZO in 2021, he continues to cement himself as one of the vital infamous figures in Japanese vogue. NIGO’s title is now synonymous with streetwear and tradition and it’s evident that his affect spans globally.
With KENZO, he is ready to take his irreverent model and make an inexpungible mark on this planet of vogue. Previously few seasons, NIGO has reinvented the enduring Paris vogue home, staking his declare because the visionary for the modern-day KENZO label. Within the wake of the dying of Kenzo Takada, the model’s founder in 2020, NIGO is much more conscious of his place on the home, understanding the significance of heritage and the need to steadiness traditions and up to date developments. Relating to producing buzz and staying related, NIGO is without doubt one of the few that come to thoughts on this fashionable house that mixes streetwear and luxurious. NIGO revisits the home’s signature motifs and reinvents the KENZO mindset via his copious data and expertise inside the business.
In an unique dialog with Hypebeast, we dive deeper into pinpointing Nigo’s ambitions for the luxurious model and a broader image of how the Japanese designer is evolving streetwear tradition via the guise of KENZO. By contemplating the previous and looking into the classic archives and former vogue eras that impressed NIGO’s present collections for the home, the interview will give followers a renewed understanding of the intent behind his designs and an unique look into the artistry and imaginative and prescient that has elevated KENZO into the trendy world.
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Hypebeast: Kenzo Takada was amongst the designers that skilled a serious vogue increase in Japan within the Eighties. How has his work influenced you as a designer, and do you keep in mind your first reminiscence of discovering KENZO?
NIGO: That was once I first turned concerned with vogue – within the ’80s. The DC [designer & character] manufacturers had been making an impression all around the world. The primary time that occurred for Japanese vogue, I believe. KENZO was in that wave – one of the vital well-known and broadly identified manufacturers. So, I used to be very conscious of the model, though I used to be nonetheless a child and couldn’t afford to purchase one thing like that. I used to go to outlets to have a look at the garments typically, although.
Why is it so vital so that you can attain again into archives and classic items to tell present-day collections?
Firstly, [it is] to get to know KENZO. KENZO must be nothing however KENZO. My mission is to make KENZO garments, to not create my very own work. That’s how Kenzo Takada will proceed to stay.
The floral patterns are central [because] that’s the expression of the KENZO model.
Relating to deconstructing and reconstructing the iconography of the home set by Takada himself, what points let you honor the real-to-wear KENZO ethos?
What was it that provoked our first curiosity in vogue in our youth? This assortment is an try to reply that query. “Actual-to-wear” is the true essence of vogue. To me, it’s solely thrilling when the garments have an actual life within the streets of the town.
How would you describe in the present day’s intersection between
streetwear and luxurious vogue? You’ve additionally as soon as mentioned that streetwear is “a revolt towards luxurious vogue.” Does this nonetheless maintain true when you’re taking inspiration for KENZO?
[Streetwear and luxury fashion] finally met when it was acceptable for them to fulfill. As for the time of revolt towards luxurious vogue – it’s over. We’ve entered an period of coexistence.
You’re a long-time good friend of the late Virgil Abloh, identified for collaborating with numerous artists at Louis Vuitton and bringing worlds of luxurious and different mediums of artwork collectively. What’s your tackle collaboration in the case of luxurious vogue? Will we be seeing any from KENZO sooner or later?
Virgil’s manner of working has grow to be the norm now.
In a manner, my work on KENZO is a form of collaboration in itself. I don’t really feel a lot of a necessity for a 3rd social gathering. Isn’t that the best way ahead to the following vogue?
A yr in, it appears you might be simply getting began. Any preview notes you’ll be able to share with us about your subsequent assortment?
The following present shall be in January – all shall be revealed then!
