October 7, 2010 |
As we entered the Cirque d’hiver to witness the 40th birthday show, the space captivated our attention – normally a circus space, the roof was painted like a canopied tent and a huge screen projectrf images of shows over the last 40 years. It was an amazing appetiser of what was to come. Antonio has been at the helm of this house for the last 6 years and from the outset of the announcement being made we in fashiondom couldn’t think of a better person for the job. He embraced the heritage of this brand, and always made it relevant for the Kenzo woman now always injecting his take on this brand.
The first part of the show drew to Sardinia where Antonio was born and lives. Fluid chiffon dresses and woodblock prints of 3D flowers gave a sense of both cultures, its Japanese heritage and its now Sardinian influence, one totally embracing the other. Also modern interpretations with a Kenzo twist were shown when army jackets and waistcoats were reworked with sequin panels.
Then the second part of the show served as an amalgamation of the old and new voice of Kenzo, amazing ensembles exited on a revolving stage one more layered than the next. Colour, texture and print gave a real feast for the eyes. Archive pieces were collaged together presenting towers of clothes. The girls almost felt like they belonged to a Peruvian tribe gathering together in this performance piece. Elongated silhouettes with the stacking of the pieces accentuated the fantasy moment as the girls revolved slowly and almost hypnotically casting their spell. It was the stuff that dreams are made of and as the last girl entered you really didn’t want it to end.
Happy happy birthday!!!! A wonderful magical experience.
by Sophia Neophitou
