KENZO Partners with Levi's to Affirm Denim's Timeless Expression
Embracing his creative flair and fascination with the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, creative director Nigo has introduced a captivating and irresistible denim collection to KENZO in collaboration with Levi's.
Unveiled on October 4, the denim collaboration between KENZO and Levi's is poised to be the highlight of the Fall/Winter 2023 season. This collection seamlessly melds the cultural legacies of the Parisian-Japanese fashion house and the iconic American clothing brand into a singular language: Denim—a fabric with origins in France, fame in America, and elevated craftsmanship in Japan.
Comprising around 20 meticulously crafted garments and accessories primarily using premium Japanese Kaihara denim, this collection epitomizes Nigo's vision for KENZO: ergonomic, robust, and refined—the quintessence of East-West fusion.
In Japan, Nigo's archives have long housed an extensive catalog of American denim artifacts, including original Levi Strauss & Co. workwear created for cowboys and miners. KENZO's passion for denim and its place in fashion history echoes the legacy of Kenzo Takada, who always prioritized the comfort and inclusive nature of this exceptional fabric.
The East-West philosophy lies at the core of the KENZO x Levi's® partnership, as showcased in the campaign footage filmed in Kyoto. Renowned Japanese filmmaker Umi Ishihara, known for blending documentary and fantasy styles, captured the collection in two traditional sansou mountain villas in Kyoto.
Products in the KENZO x Levi's® collection feature both the enduring Levi Strauss & Co. label and iconic KENZO symbols. The Levi's® pant leg bears the distinctive Boke flower emblem of KENZO, while the back pocket showcases the familiar Levi's® arc stitching.
The embroidered KENZO logo above the chest pocket pays homage to the 'name badge' sewn onto early 20th-century factory worker uniforms. The collection boasts two distinct motifs: Sashiko patterns that replicate traditional Japanese stitching techniques and a floral print resurrected from KENZO JEANS, a line introduced by Kenzo Takada himself in 1986.
The gender-neutral Levi's® 501® jeans include a vintage hand-washed denim version meticulously crafted in Japan and an indigo denim variant featuring a denim cross-strap inspired by the original 1933 design of Levi's® 501® Jeans.
Through Nigo's contemporary design instincts, a new vision has emerged at KENZO: 'real-to-wear'. Denim therefore becomes the new statement of the fashion house: It is simple, durable but can shine when needed. It is luxurious, and also affordable, enough for two brands in two separate segments to cooperate.
With Nigo's contemporary design sensibilities, a new ethos has emerged at KENZO: 'real-to-wear.' Denim has thus become the fashion house's new hallmark—simple, enduring, yet capable of radiance when necessary. It offers luxury and affordability, fostering collaboration between two brands occupying distinct market segments.
The collection will be available at KENZO stores worldwide, select Levi's® outlets, and official KENZO retail locations.
