NIGO is a bonafide polymath. His influences are far-reaching and culturally rich, set in the undertones of Japanese youth, punk, streetwear, luxury, and the melting pot that brings these threads together. It’s a recipe he’s used for every creative endeavour, from the music he’s made in the Japanese hip-hop group, the Teriyaki Boyz, to the clothes, shoes and accessories he’s produced at BAPE. It’s this very essence that has taken KENZO to new heights under NIGO’s artistic direction, and now the house is ready to explore the cultural intersections of life in further depth for Fall/Winter 2023.
Tapping the Japanese photographer Keizo Kitajima, KENZO delivers a FW23 campaign that perfectly captures the buzz of Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the two’s juxtaposition of each other. As such, we find both cities represented through NIGO’s lens, which doesn’t just appreciate Japanese culture, but those of America and England (two places often explored at KENZO, with previous collections nodding to vintage Americana and Vivienne Westwood-isms, respectively).
For the FW23 campaign, spotlights include brand ambassador and SEVENTEEN member VERNON stunting a pair of KENZO-PACE trainers – a style indebted to the 1990s and noughties. He pairs this with a straight denim workwear jacket, bringing the Americana, and super-wide denim trousers, offering up an Eastern sensibility.
Elsewhere, a traditional Kimono-style Sashiko Stitch coat arrives in black with hand-stitched detailing. Not only does it honour the house’s roots, but it also brings in elements of Western society, represented by Parisian monikers.
View this post on Instagram
UK undertones are informed by tartan blazers and neck scarves, virgin wool dresses, and striped co-ords reminiscent of school uniforms, while monotone Kimono blazers and unisex pleated bottoms round out the lookbook.
The full KENZO FW23 collection is available online now.
See: Pumps, Polly Pocket and Taylor Russell take centre stage for LOEWE FW23
See: Dior gets drippy with its new men’s Winter 2023 accessories
