KENZO and Levi’s join forces in a fall capsule collection, marking the first collaboration under Nigo’s tenure as KENZO’s creative director. Launched on October 4th, it flawlessly melds the cultural archives of the Parisian-Japanese fashion house with those of the American apparel company. The range zeroes in on denim pieces that masterfully interweave intricate Japanese craftsmanship with classic American workwear.
The collection features 20 clothing and accessory pieces, primarily crafted from premium Kaihara Japanese denim. Its foundation is built on the real-to-wear functionality principle, as envisioned by KENZO through Nigo. An avid collector of historic apparel, Nigo’s archives in Japan boast a significant range of American denim pieces, including original Levi Strauss & Co. workwear made for cowboys and miners. This passion for denim also resonates with Kenzo Takada’s legacy, with denim inspiring him to launch the KENZO JEANS line in 1986. These elements come together to form a wardrobe that intertwines American and Japanese styles, with a dash of Kenzo Takada’s genetics – serving as pure inspiration for the KENZO and Levi’s partnership.
This fusion of Eastern and Western traditions is depicted through a campaign shot in Kyoto. Nigo invited Japanese director Umi Ishihara to capture cinematic visuals in two traditional villas. Additionally, the locations were perfect for a series of stills taken by photographer Ryu Ika from Inner Mongolia, featuring talents like Abas Abdirazaq, Hayato, Masato Eun, Peipei, Sen Ping, and Shun.
The KENZO x Levi’s® capsule collection pieces are co-branded, marrying Levi Strauss & Co.’s classic “two horse pull” iconography with the KENZO logo. Levi’s metal studs are engraved with KENZO’s iconic Boke flower, while pockets showcase Levi’s signature arcuate stitching. The KENZO logo is embroidered above pockets, reminiscent of “name badges” found on early 20th-century factory worker uniforms. The collection’s pieces are enriched in two ways: with a Sashiko print that mimics the traditional Japanese stitching technique and a floral print from the KENZO JEANS archive.
Outerwear includes denim jackets with faux fur collars or western-style fringes, both inspired by KENZO’s 1980s archive pieces. The 1967 Levi’s Type II Trucker jacket is reimagined in red satin, adorned with Boke flower embroidery and western details. The outerwear range also features blazers reminiscent of the iconic Bing Crosby denim tuxedo, a jacket with a trompe l’oeil Sashiko print, and a women’s jacket with the KENZO JEANS floral pattern.
Other pieces encompass a denim shirt with stitching and pocket details, a red KENZO tee with a classic Levi’s shirt-style pocket, and even denim dresses with buttons and sleeveless designs, inspired by Kenzo Takada’s 1980s pieces. Furthermore, the collection features original Levi’s-style dungarees in a washed look, in an indigo shade or with a trompe l’oeil Sashiko print. Levi’s 501 jeans are presented in a vintage style, using a manual technique from Japan.
For accessories, the collection boasts a denim tie that pairs perfectly with workwear. There’s also a denim card holder tailored to KENZO’s design and a red bandana with western details, combining Levi’s iconography with that of the fashion house.
The KENZO x Levi’s capsule collection is available in select KENZO and Levi’s stores, certain KENZO partner stores, and online at kenzo.com and levis.com.
About the Levi’s brand:
Levi’s epitomizes effortless and classic American style. Since their inception by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s jeans have become some of the world’s most recognizable garments, capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s brand portfolio continues to evolve, driven by an unmatched pioneering and innovative spirit in the apparel industry. Our leading jeanswear and accessories range is available in over 110 countries, enabling individuals around the world to express their unique style. For more information about the Levi’s brand, its products, and stores, please visit levi.com.
