Creatives of every stripe
A first look at Kenzo x H&M modeled by today’s young artists and activists.
H&M’s big designer collaborations are always something we anticipate, not just because they are more affordable versions of some of the world’s biggest designers and labels. Recently the designer collab collections have been designed specifically for H&M, not just recycled from the archives. That these collections recently have been selling out within a day, more or less, comes as no surprise. This year, the designer is Kenzo.
Here’s a teaser: a first look at the Kenzo x H& M collection where the tiger, Kenzo’s icon, is represented by its stripes, and it is practically in every piece, from roll- neck tops, socks and leggings to rubber print and jacquard knitted tiger-sock shaft boots and padded flip-flops with tabi socks, as well as smaller accessories like a tiger-printed cap with an attached printed woven scarf and a tiger- printed cross- body bag. For layering purposes, there are parkas with removable printed collar and leather coats lined with faux shearling.
The collection does not shy away from color, true to the spirit of Kenzo, represented by the head- to- toe reds, blues, greens, and pink shearling to warm you up.
Modeled by artists, young creatives and activists, each an ambassador for the spirit of individuality the collaboration represents, a new world of creativity, playful energy and love of fashion is the resounding message.
The first wave of ambassadors hails from three different style capitals. Representing team New York are Amy Sall, a student and activist who founded SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought + Aesthetics; and Juliana Huxtable, a 28-year-old artist, poet and DJ.
London cool is embodied by makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench who is also part of the London-based collective, Theo Adams Company.
Hailing from Paris is Oko Ebombo, musician and performance artist, and frontman of the band 19.
They all have distinct, edgy personal styles that still come through even while donning similar select pieces from the collection. Without even having to say a word, the Kenzo x H&M collaboration only strengthens their voices.
Kenzo x H&M will be available in over 250 selected H& M stores worldwide, as well as online, from Nov. 3.