Kenzo x H&M bring the stars and the style for spectacular launch show
By Will Stroude
Ever since their first fashion collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, H&M have been hurtling forward with their collaborations. Year after year, the collections and the events that surround them have become bigger and bolder, whipping up a frenzy through not only the clothes, but also through the events to celebrate them.
We’re sure come November 3rd, when the Kenzo X H&M clothes hits the shops, there will be a similar stampede of shoppers grabbing a collection (which you can view here) which is bright, playful and full of all the iconic Kenzo staples like the tiger motif and animal print, but at a more accessible price.
Held at Pier 36 on the edge of Manhattan in New York by the river, away from the glittering skyline, it turned out that they didn’t need all the illuminations from the Big Apple, as the brands produced an electric fashion show inside the warehouse. Jean-Paul Goude, who has worked with Kenzo’s creative Director’s Carol Lim and Humberto Leon from their first collection with the brand, was put to task on directing the show, and he definitely delivered in his iconic exuberant and playful style as a throng of celebrities such as Chloe Sevingy and Chance the rapper (who star in the collection’s campaign) watched on the front row (along with the likes of Lupita Nyong’o , Joe Jonas, Elizabeth Olsen and Rosario Dawson).
With a customised remix of ‘Express Yourself’ complete with marching bands, beat boxers, and a flurry of dancers, the models didn’t just walk down the catwalk but danced, body popped, vogued, twirled and interacted with the musicians and dancers (wearing bright green Kenzo x H&M jumpsuits). Packed full of electric energy, that matched the frivolity of the clothes, the whole show crescendoed with all the models storming the stage and raving it up before Lim and Leon did their victory lap, grabbing the front row by the hand to get up and join the festivities.
The collection is all about fun, though you can dial it up (with a mixed media puffa with multiple prints and a full neon green jumpsuit) or dial it down to simple black jacket with the Kenzo tiger emblazoned on it, patterned tees or simply plump for a pair of animal print socks, if you only want to flash a bit from the ankle.
The collection will be available from November 3rd worldwide, but you’re going to have to be lightning fast to grab yourself some.