Pharrell Williams appeared at the show tonight wearing a full Kenzo look designed by his close collaborator Nigo, including a yellow duffle from Nigo's debut collection. Nigo, known for co-founding Billionaire Boys Club with Williams in 2003, had been cautious about collaborations in fashion but decided to feature the work of his friend, the Japanese graphic artist Verdy, in his spring 2024 collections for men and women.
Nigo aimed to establish his signature on Kenzo and explored the resurgence of city pop, a Japanese music movement from the '70s and '80s, blending authentic Japanese elements with Western reinterpretations. He revisited both his and Kenzo's archives from that era to recontextualize his inspiration. The tailoring, especially hybrid pieces like wide-pleated dress shorts and kimono-like double-breasted jackets, stood out as his most compelling effort.
Verdy contributed a reimagined "Kenzo Paris" logo and rose print to the collection, adding to its uniqueness. While Nigo's men's wear remained cool and intentional, the direction for women's wear seemed undecided. The show's entertainment factor and the famous names in attendance paralleled Pharrell Williams's show earlier in the week.
Despite current runway trends, Nigo stayed true to his own style, embracing his distinct approach to fashion. His fourth season at Kenzo showcased his talent and creativity.