Last night, after months of appetite whetting, Kenzo finally showed us the goods. By which we mean, quite literally – presenting their brand new collaboration with H&M – Kenzo x H&M – not upon the pages of a lookbook, as we first glimpsed a mere few weeks ago, but on real-life human people (models) in a special catwalk show in New York. Yes, it’s that time again – time to claw your way through a large crowd of rabid fashion fans / scary Russian men ready to sell on eBay (or, in one case, as we heard from one Fashion Ed last year, around the corner – she took full advantage, naturally) to get your hands on those cut-price designer garms. So, last night. Well, it was an event that, by all accounts, should be described as an extravaganza – an all singing, all dancing spectacle dreamed up in the mind of Jean Paul-Goude – iconic photographer of Grace Jones/Kim Kardashian’s arse fame. Which meant, or so we gather, watching on via Instagram – dancing, drums, and stack loads of brilliant clothes. Apparently, the whole collection was meant to bridge the gap between the current designers and Kenzo Takada, himself famed for his performative shows – including one legendary catwalk that stretched across the dancefloor of Studio 54. Carol reports Humberto as saying at the beginning of the project that “it would be really great to take the pieces from the archive and celebrate those pieces along with pieces we created in our first collection and have a true conversation between us and Kenzo Takada.’” And that they did – bringing together Kenzo’s knack for bold fabric mixes – clashing tiger stripes, leopard spots, embroidered flowers – with Humberto and Leon’s ability to decide what’s cool, now. Which basically meant an eclectic rummage through the archives of Kenzo old and new – gypsy style skirts, puffed-up kimonos, slick catsuits with furry jackets atop. And, for those who want to wear their allegiance, literally, across their chest (or, alternatively, down their arm) – there’s plenty of those sweatshirts that Humbert and Carol first used to reinvigorate the Parisian house. It arrives in H&M stores on November 3rd. Ladies (and gentlemen) – start your engines…
