Designers, Events, Fashion, London

V&A Fashion In Motion: Kenzo

November 17, 2010 by

Can you believe it has been 40 years since Kenzo Takada created this fashion house?  Four decades of bright colours, superposition of patterns, sophistication, rainbow prints – a tornado of happiness.

Since the creator retired in 1991, Antonio Marras then added his poetic signature to the collections, first as womenswear designer then as creative director in 2008, renewing the brand’s strength and dynamism.

For this special anniversary, the Parisian fashion house decided to team up with the V&A’s Fashion in Motion and treat their fans to a fabulous catwalk show.

Marras found his inspiration in the Japanese and Sardinian heritage, creating a multi-coloured trip between the two cultures, opposing, harmonising and layering them in elegant folds, modernising the colours and kimonos.

One can only admire the fusion of traditions – the Asian structures and pure lines, the richness and lights of Sardinia.  The clothes almost seemed to dance around those modern princesses.

The fabrics depicted landscapes of foliage, flowers, blossoms reinforcing the feeling of an initiation path through the creator’s vision.

To complete this relaxed yet stylish look, accessories played on more contemporary touches – pop-art inspired versions of the Japanese sandals, glossy and colourful elbow-high gloves, handbags mixing shining textures and floral patterns as well as complex turbans.

Everything with Kenzo just steps out of a dream.  40 years old? Certainly not – 40 years young.

Photos by Coralie Aude Grassin

Coralie Aude Grassin write the blog, Tea Time In Wonderland.

1 comment

1 Comment

  • Reply Degsy December 6, 2010 at 1:24 am

    Hi

    Great article & nice pics of the Show. I’m a photographer who shot one of the shows, my images can be seen at:
    http://www.pbase.com/cmosdude/fashion_in_motion_kenzo__the_va

    Cheers
    Degsy

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