Kenzo x Kansai Yamamoto Collection

Creative Director of Kenzo, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, has unveiled a fantastic collaboration to honour Maison Kenzo’s founder, Kenzo Takada and his counterpart and long-time friend, Kansai Yamamoto. The two Japanese designers sadly passed away this year. Fortuitously, both had given their blessing to the Kenzo x Kansai Yamamoto Collection. 

The Inspiration

Inspired by their archives and their shared passion for Animalia in their creations, Felipe Oliveira Baptista says: “We created the collection with a burst of joy”.

In essence, the collection is a tribute to the incredible talents of Kenzo Takada and Kansai Yamamoto. The Japanese designers took Europe by storm in the 60s and 70s respectively, and the world has been their playground ever since.

Felipe Oliveira Baptista noted a particular affinity in the creations by the two designers that transcended their different approaches to clothes.  Both were proponents of a fashion that is joyful, unrestrained and above all, completely free.  They were pioneering, and their creations spoke to everyone.

The Process

Through cross-referencing the designers’ archives, artworks and motifs Felipe Oliveira Baptista and his team created a vibrantly colourful collection.  Finding inspiration in a fantastic bestiary, the pop felines, animal motifs, bamboo, stripes and Japanese calligraphy give the pieces delightful frivolity.  

The Spirit

Notably, the collection includes a black t-shirt with a tiger head motif created by Kansai Yamamoto on the front.  On the back, the designer pays homage to the trio for whom fashion is unabashedly festive. The handwritten calligraphy simply reads “Kenzo, Kansai, Felipe”.

The collection shoot features a group of young Parisian friends captured in a raw and spontaneous atmosphere. This spirit certainly resonates with the three talented designers. 

Furthermore, the Kenzo x Kansai Yamamoto Collection playlist, put together by Erick Faulkner, is available on Spotify. Not surprisingly, the playlist shares a truly creative musical experience.

Finally, the Kenzo x Kansai Yamamoto Collection is available in Kenzo stores globally and on Kenzo.com.

Images courtesy of Kenzo.com