KENZO's SS20 Show Features Nautical-Inspired Elements & A Performance By Solange
“The Last Mermaids of Japan” payed homage to the hometown of the fashion house’s founder.
To close out Paris Fashion Week Men’s, KENZO opted to debut a collection with a singular premise. Founder of the fashion house Kenzo Takada’s hometown in Japan (Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture) served as the source of inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2020 presentation. The looks are directly based on a group of strong women known as Japanese female free divers. For over 2000 years, the women have dived to the ocean floor in search of seafood for their communities.
Titled “The Last Mermaids of Japan,” the collection designed by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim was marked by modern marine-inspired garments and apparel that pulls from technical diving gear. This is seen heavily in the women’s neoprene suiting arriving in orange violet and black paired with crushed wet-look jersey tops and dresses. Additional staples include skirts created in mermaid jacquard linens accentuated by pearl buttons.
Following the last menswear look of the presentation, Solange Knowles emerged in a whimsical KENZO look topped off by stunning braids. Alongside a live band, the singer staged a live performance of the song “I’m A Witness” from her recent album, When I Get Home. This memorable moment was followed by model Noah Carlos who closed the show. Leon and Lim then concluded the entire showcase by taking their last walk as designers of the fashion house.
Kenzo
Check out favorite looks from KENZO’s SS20 runway presentation. While you’re here, take a look at the news surrounding Humberto Leon and Carol Lim stepping down from KENZO.
