BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture, KENZO‘s Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, titled “Ritmo Kenzo,” immerses itself in the dynamic spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Under the artistic direction of Nigo, the campaign captures the city’s essence through a series of evocative visuals. Photographer Johnny Dufort and filmmaker Frank Lebon collaborate to present Rio’s lively streets and sun-kissed beaches, highlighting the seamless blend between KENZO’s innovative designs and the city’s pulsating energy.
The campaign’s imagery showcases local capoeira dancers, the mesmerizing sunsets over Ipanema Beach, and the vibrant atmosphere of Rio’s renowned beach life. These elements are interwoven with KENZO’s latest designs, creating a visual narrative that celebrates both the brand’s heritage and the city’s cultural richness. This approach not only highlights the brand’s global perspective but also pays homage to the local traditions and landscapes that inspire its collections.
A standout feature of the collection is the KENZO Chiku-Rin Camo, a design inspired by vintage kimonos and the house’s archival pieces. This unique bamboo motif reimagines traditional camouflage, reflecting Nigo’s talent for blending historical influences with modern aesthetics. Additionally, the KENZO Weave, first introduced in the Spring-Summer 2024 collection, makes a return. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese firefighter coats, this fabric has been transformed into KENZO’s emblematic monogram, appearing in tailored jackets, textured denim, and workwear essentials.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF-oudwIdhh/?igsh=Zm4zbDI0NTFnaDU4
Photographed by Johnny Dufort
The collection also introduces the KENZO Furoshiki bag, inspired by the traditional Japanese art of fabric wrapping. Crafted from supple Italian leather, the bag features elegant knots and fluid gathers, embodying a fusion of cultural artistry and contemporary design. This season, a new variation with bold, cracked leather adds a modern twist to the iconic piece, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and respect for tradition.
Embellished mesh items adorned with hand-embroidered beads and jewels bring a distinctive flair to breezy, summer-ready silhouettes, perfectly suited for Rio’s festive environment. These pieces highlight KENZO’s dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering a fresh perspective on luxury fashion that resonates with the city’s vibrant culture.
“Ritmo Kenzo” serves as a testament to the harmonious connection between KENZO’s dynamic designs and the spirited soul of Brazil. The campaign not only showcases Nigo’s artistic vision but also fosters a deeper connection with a global audience, inviting them to embrace the joyous lifestyle and free-spiritedness of Rio’s local scene. Through this collection, KENZO sparks a dialogue about culture, art, and identity, illustrating how fashion can transcend borders and become a platform for global storytelling and cultural exchange.
