#BUROEXCLUSIVE: KENZO PAYS TRIBUTE TO TAKADA THROUGH THEIR ‘KENZO VARSITY JUNGLE’ COLLECTION.

Find the Elephant & the Tiger.
Within the collection's stunning array of designs, two captivating prints stand out: the regal elephant and the fierce tiger. Both of which serve as a heartfelt homage to Takada's indelible legacy.

Drawing inspiration from the Ivy League ethos that runs deep in the brand’s DNA, KENZO’s Artistic Director Nigo has unleashed a new, playful collection for Spring 2023 that fuses the label’s graphic codes with a love for nature that was cherished by founder Kenzo Takada. Dubbed the KENZO Varsity Jungle, the collection features a pair of distinct prints that pay homage to Takada’s legacy: the elephant and the tiger. The elephant, known for having the best memory of all creatures, was Takada’s favorite animal, and the late designer was known for his affinity for elephants, using them as both a motif and symbol throughout his collections. As for the tiger, it inspired Takada since 1975, and Nigo has now given it his personal touch, introducing it as part of KENZO’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. Nigo’s design for the elephant print has its roots in 1950s sailor tattoo imagery, while his tiger motif features prominently on printed T-shirts, sweatshirts, and cardigans. KENZO’s Varsity Jungle collection comes in a range of colors and styles, catering to a wide array of fashion preferences. In celebration of the collection’s launch, KENZO has teamed up with renowned photographer Frank Lebon to create a campaign that highlights the values of community, togetherness, and family that are so integral to the brand’s identity. The result is a vibrant, visually stunning campaign that showcases the iconic Tiger and Elephant designs and features a cast of captivating characters.

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