THE KENZO PARIS “BOKE FLOWER” COLLECTION

5 February 2022

Under the artistic direction of Nigo, KENZO debuts the first in a series of limited-edition collections, drawing heavily from the Japanese boke flower.

In many ways, Nigo’s appointment as KENZO's Artistic Director is a natural move for the multihyphenate. His creative vision — a heavy emphasis on bold colours, patterns and experimentalism — is one that very much echoes that of the fashion house’s founder, Kenzo Takada.

For his debut collection, the first in a series of limited-edition capsules for SS22, Nigo translates the exuberant energy of the fashion house through his own distinctive lens. Each capsule is designed to represent a step in a new direction for the label, all while paying homage to its rich heritage and visual codes.

Reflecting that, each drop is designed to focus in on the natural elements integral to Kenzo Takada’s design language, with the first nodding to his love of floral patterns. At the centre of the capsule is a reinterpretation of the boke — a Japanese flower that blooms in February — combined with block letter font reading “KENZO PARIS”. Cardigans, crews, long-sleeve tees and hoodies are all coloured in white to reflect a blank page — a new beginning for the house under Nigo’s direction — while coach jackets, military skirts and carpenter pants all showcase the multihyphenate’s penchant for classic Americana.