CAROL LIM & HUMBERTO LEON
Is starting a brand from scratch harder than taking over one with a previous history? We’ll always appreciate Kenzo Takada’s vision. It is what we wanted to reintroduce when we arrived in 2011; to tell the Kenzo story and build its identity for a new generation. Do the archives play a big role in your process? Not in a typical way. It is often very specific details that inspire us, not a direct item, so it is very subtle. What do you look for in a collaborator? Similar ideals. With the Blue Marine Foundation, they shared our love for the ocean; for Vans, we both love the outdoors and sports; and for New Era it was a passion for street style. The only thing we ask for is an open mind. Spring/ Summer ’15 had a message about protecting our world. Is it important that fashion goes beyond just clothes? We want to encourage people to be more aware from all aspects, so that there’ll be something for our children.