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NIGO Unites Global Subcultures in a Vibrant KENZO SS26 Collection

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Summary

  • NIGO’s SS26 collection, “CLUB KENZO,” unites inspiration from Andy Warhol’s Factory, Kenzo Takada’s 1970s studio, and NIGO’s own diverse community
  • The collection is a playful, interrogative blend of subcultures, infused with Italian tailoring and showcased at Maxim’s
  • The collection celebrates carefree summer love, with style blurring gender lines and featuring whimsical graphics

For the Spring/Summer 2026 season, KENZO, led by creative director NIGO, presented the “CLUB KENZO” collection. This line merges the catwalk into a vibrant setting where various eras of culture meet and interact. Taking inspiration from three influential cultural hubs – Andy Warhol’s Factory, Kenzo Takada’s 1970s Parisian workshop, and NIGO’s extensive network encompassing streetwear, celebrities, and creative peers – the designs offer a fun, questioning fusion of subcultures and sophisticated style. The show took place at Maxim’s, a venue with its own rich history of cultural intermingling, while Hiroshi Fujiwara’s music selection for the event honored NIGO’s deep-seated connections.

The “Club KENZO” assortment showcases a liberated summer romance ambiance, where choosing an outfit for a night out becomes a daring expression. The Kenzo Man and Kenzo Woman draw inspiration from one another, creating a style that defies traditional gender boundaries, representing a fashion sense that’s committed to going out, yet casual in its presentation. This lighthearted approach is reflected in designs influenced by bowling alleys and a delightful love tale between a tiger and a rabbit, giving rise to adorable “bunnies with tiger stripes” – a symbol of the enchanting results when various realms collide. The bowling theme is echoed in platform shoes, crafted with either a solid wooden base or one resembling a plastic container akin to a snow globe, showcasing mini figurines suspended within clear liquid. In keeping with an extravagant, maximalist aesthetic, the collection also includes cartoon animal-like wicker baskets as handbags, bright floral printed purses, and other eye-catching pieces.

The rebellious punk influence is prominently showcased in this collection through various innovative approaches. For instance, the house introduces Italian tailoring that blends hot pink dinner jackets into versatile daywear, complete with custom monogram linings. NIGO’s modern take on Japanese tailoring becomes a striking element for evening attire, crafted from fine satin. Military and workwear pieces receive a punk-inspired makeover, incorporating bold colors and luxurious details such as mother-of-pearl buttons and vivid faux fur. A chef’s shirt adorned with roses and asymmetrical buttons honors the house’s founder, Kenzo Takada, while maintaining traditional silhouettes from the brand’s past. The patterns and motifs are a lively mosaic: they include revived florals, including Kenzo Takada’s iconic rose print, as well as designs from the 1990s that take on a psychedelic quality when combined with contrasting patterns like stars, checkerboard, and harlequin prints. This fresh graphic universe creates a distinct, evolving visual language for the brand.

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it like this:

I’m smitten by the audacious allure of this collection, where bold statements meet playful wit. The KENZO branding shines on bedazzled belt buckles, joined by tongue-in-cheek phrases that add a dash of whimsy, such as “MEOW” and “WOOF”. This collection is a daring declaration, asserting that even the most serious things can be infused with fun.

Bags exude attitude, their lived-in leather and sturdy canvas embodying a well-worn charm. They’re further customized with patches and spray paint, echoing punk aesthetics and NIGO’s affection for vintage collectibles.

The animalistic motifs continue with cowhide jackets and pants that complement tiger-striped hoodies and overcoats, adding a wild touch to the collection. It’s a delightful blend of style and spirit, making me eagerly anticipate each new addition.

 

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2025-06-28 22:26

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