Creative genius, Jean-Paul Goude, put the “show” back in fashion show, as designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon transformed their Kenzo x H&M runway into a wild jungle of freedom and self-expression.
With an eclectic marching band of drummers and horn players parading around the runway, followed by dancers and models dressed in head-to-toe animal print, stepping to the beat of N.W.A’s “Express Yourself,” the collection’s message became quite clear.
“The world is your jungle, so why not show your stripes?”
The creative duo did just that as the latest Parisian fashion house to bring high-fashion to the streets, with a boundless collection full of vitality and joy.
Tiger-striped, stiletto ankle boots of vibrant blue, pink, purple and red hues stomped on the runway as ruffle, floral-printed peasant dresses swayed with each twirl.
Men adorned in the brand’s logo sweatshirts and Japanese-inspired, patterned joggers danced in unison to the harmony of the beat as well.
Courtesy of VogueIt was truly a spectacle.
Flashes of the designers’ greatest feat of the collection were present through the revival of the archival looks of the label’s founder, Kenzo Takada, whose effortless knack of layering loose pieces defied the power suits ruling the Parisian runways during the 1960s and 1970s.
Paying homage to the fearless fashion designer, Lim and Leon’s collection reinterpreted Takada’s signature smock tent dresses, original shoulder shapes, enlarged armholes and oversized dungarees in ways that transported them out of the 1970s and into the modern fashion realm. The results were pure works of art; baggy pinafore frocks, patterned kimonos loosely hanging over smock dresses and leggings, as well as lush floral ensembles pieced together by layers upon layers.
Fun, fierce and wild; the Kenzo x H&M presentation was a breath of fresh air.
For a more detailed look of the collaboration, check out Vogue Paris’ video below and keep your eyes peeled for my in-depth review; Kenzo X H&M // A Runway Rave.
Courtesy of Instagram @vogueparis
