With its colorful prints and declaration of freedom, Kenzo shook up the couture codes of the time by irreverently breaking the rules. The brand is currently known for its groundbreaking collaborations with avant-garde artists, musicians, actors and designers. Recently, Kenzo has commissioned curator and filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. to create a project that reimagines its latest collections – both women, men, and accessories – under the concept of ‘ceremony’. He teamed up with photographer Ruth Ossai and stylist Ibrahim Kamara for the first edition of Kenzo Folio, aiming to highlight the latest looks of the brand in an unexpected style imagined by young creatives. See below the stunning video and photographs from the campaign.
The two Nigerian UK-based artists have conceived the project through various rites, rituals and ceremonies within Nsukka’s Igbo tribe. This series of fascinating images emphasizes spontaneous beauty of Nigerian youth, which “is always present when there is a commitment to the celebration of culture.” The outgoing energy from these visuals shows an attractive representation of Kenzo’s vision of beauty. The concept spotlights Nigerians wearing the Spring/Summer 2017 collections and accessories in “an inclusive pageant created by a community devoted to its own growth.”
The collaboration between the artists and the fashion house is considered as the beginning of a new quarterly publication project, called Kenzo Folio, whose first title is an Igbu proverb: Gidi gidi bu ugwu eze, which means ‘unity in strength’. A powerful message, accompanied by even more powerful pictures.
Kenzo Folio exhibition in Paris: Kenzo store until May 4th, 27 Boulevard de la Madeleine, Paris.
Kenzo Folio exhibition in London: Kenzo store, 31 Bruton St, Mayfair London W1J 6HH. From April 27th to May 10th.
Kenzo Folio exhibition in London: Kenzo store, 31 Bruton St, Mayfair London W1J 6HH. From April 27th to May 10th.
