Kenzo Enlists NIGO as New Artistic Director
Succeeding Felipe Oliveira Baptista.
Following Felipe Oliveira Baptista’s departure earlier this year, Kenzo has now appointed NIGO as its new artistic director.
NIGO is best known for his work in the streetwear space, having built his brands A Bathing Ape and Human Made over the years. He will be the first Japanese designer to join the fashion house ever since Kenzo Takada resigned back in 1999 from his namesake label.
Sidney Toledano, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, shared in an official statement: “I am convinced that the creativity and innovation of NIGO, as well as his attachment to the history of the House, will fully express all the potential of Kenzo.” The designer noted the connection that he shares with Kenzo: “I was born in the year that Takada Kenzo san opened his first store in Paris. We both graduated from the same fashion school in Tokyo. In 1993, the year that Kenzo joined the LVMH Group, I started my career in fashion.” He further added that the new appointment will be “the greatest challenge of [his] 30-year career.”
NIGO will officially start at Kenzo as artistic director on September 20.
