IMAGES: H&M
Left to right: Bethann Hardison, Jean-Paul Goode, Iman, Chloe Sevigny, Humberto Leon & Carol Lim
With barely less than half a month before the #KENZOxHM collaboration launches worldwide (yes, that’s 3 November 2016 if you’re still not in the know), here are 10 things you need to know about this very unique collection that made its exclusive pre-release debut live in New York City last night!
#1 – Taking almost 2 years to complete from the day Kenzo & H&M joined hands to create this one-off limited edition collection, which Creative Directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon describe as ‘a true conversation’, of both their recent works for Kenzo, as well as being inspired by the archives of Kenzo Takada. The end result? Iconic pieces like Takada’s ribbon dress that was updated for this collab, as well as pieces and prints from the duo’s own collections.
#2 – Other pieces in the collection that were inspired by what Carol and Humberto discovered in the archives included the intense florals, fuzzy faux fur coats, the medallion print which you’ll find on sweaters and a scarf, as well as multiple items featuring mash-ups of prints from both Takada’s and the duo’s collections.
#3 – Consisting of 110 looks for both men and women, Kenzo pushed the boundaries with H&M on this collection, resulting in amazingly-detailed RTW made with fabrics you normally wouldn’t associate with these collaborations. Fabrics like Mulberry silk, organic cotton, wool and even leathers ranging from goat to calf and even lambskin. Almost 10 pieces in the collection are also reversible (which adds even more cost), but it allows the customer to have more versatility when it comes to how they want to wear it.
#4 – Their motivation behind the collaboration? In Carol Lim’s own words, ‘We love the idea of storytelling and also speaking to a broader audience.’ She adds, ‘We had a really great idea that we thought this could be a perfect opportunity to not only speak to people that know Kenzo, but to a whole new audience that I think would come to discover the brand.’
#5 – Having gone through the collection for myself, there’s no denying the quality that comes with each piece, something which Carol and Humberto worked tirelessly with H&M to achieve. From heritage pieces like the reinterpreted ribbon dress that in the words of H&M’s Ann-Sofie Johansson that ‘was a challenge’ to tees and sweaters, the collection also promises to have something for everyone and then some.
VIDEO: H&M
#6 – The exclusive pre-launch party, held at Pier 39 in New York City last night, featured something more special than just your regular runway show. More performance art than anything else, it was conceptualised by Jean-Paul Goude (see Youtube video above), the same visionary talent that also shot the #KENZOxHM ad campaign.
#7 – The designers’ favourite pieces from this collaboration collection? For Carol, it’s the intricately-detailed short ribbon dresses. For Humberto, the reversible bomber jackets, one of which has a leopard print on one side, and another that’s black on one side and the netting print on the other. For H&M’s Ann-Sofie, it’s the silk pyjama set that comes printed with tiny medallions.
#8 – The #KENZOxHM collection will launch on 3 November 2016 in 250 store locations worldwide as well as online in selected countries. In Singapore, it will only be available at H&M Orchard Building and ION Orchard, in Malaysia only at H&M Lot 10 and Avenue K.
#9 – In Singapore, prices will start from just SGD17.90 for the long tabi socks all the way to SGD699 for the iconic long ribbon dress. Tees range from from SGD59.90 to SGD89.90, with sweaters averaging around SGD100 a piece. The leather shoppers are SGD199 and SGD349 respectively for the Small and Large sizes and the caps (they come in 3 sizes) priced at SGD79.90 a pop. Affordable? Most definitely.
#10 – Last, but by no means least, here’s an exclusive Bagaholicboy giveaway for 5 of you in Singapore. Win the opportunity to shop with me on 31 October 2016 (Monday) before everyone else at the exclusive #KENZOxHM shopping event that will be held at a secret location along Orchard Road which I can’t yet disclose. To take part, simply leave a comment in this blog post and tell me why you deserve to be one of the 5 winners. I’ll pick 5 of you by Sunday and do remember to leave your email and IG handle in the comments so that I’ll be able to contact you all. Good luck.
Images & Video: H&M
It will be DOPE!
IG: @eric_garcons
Hands down, one of the best collaborations aside from Versace and Marni. Pick me, I really am in a desperate need of new clothes before the new year. #1 fan of Kenzo, speaking right here so you gotta have to pick me. Also, because I’ve always made Bagaholicboy as a fashion pitstop for all the updates, reads on fashion.
IG: @hairi.0
The collection is amazing. Love the zebra and leopard prints and the versatility of the collection. I have also been a major supporter of all past H&M collection from Matthew Williamson to Balmain. I would shop almost the whole collection probably and will do lotsa OOTD shots. While the collection may be a bit loud for most guys, I believe it takes the right one to wear and carry them. Hope to be the one to shop with Bagaholicboy, I have been following your blog for years! And often find it so amazing how we have the same wish-lists on certain items. Hope you will share your best picks of the collection with us. Cheers!
IG: @sho_xj
Kenzo is the first fusion brand, that combined Asian and European fashion cultures together. Irreverent yet infinitesimally relevant today in our globalised cross cultural fusion landscape.
IG: @drhedonism
Although I’m a 15 year old boy but hey who says teenagers like me can’t enjoy fashion and want to wear awesome eclectic clothing? I would really love to shop the #KENZOxHM collection with you on 31 October as I’m always in awe seeing fashion bloggers and editors travelling around the world, having access to the world of fashion before anyone does and being able to afford them as well. And being able to enjoy this privileged and experience will be a once in a lifetime and I do hope that I get picked! Thanks!
Will like to get the KENZOxHM dress as wedding dress for my re-vow ceremony. Wanted a dress that’s cool like Kenzo and unique just like Shuqi’s H&M wedding dress!
IG: @ass_farts
Apart from being able to shop with BagaholicBoy, I get to post my experience first hand on my social channels before everyone else does so it’s super exciting!
IG: @neekleem
I’ve been a big fan of H&M collaborations since they first started in 2014!
I have been to most of their launches and FINALLY it is KENZO this year!
It would be such an amazing experience to be one of the people to shop the collections before the worldwide launch.
I do really hope I would be one of the lucky 5 on that day.
IG: @jt79
I’ve got my first two IB papers on the 3rd so it’ll actually be impossible for me to be there at the release. Have been waiting for it since forever and as a massive Kenzo fan I’m super bummed that I have to think about exams first… But yes really hope for the opportunity to cop a few items before they’re blown away.
But more than that, I’m hoping to be able to have a proper conversation with you (Hi Alvin!) because I’ve always been interested in influences behind labels and collaborations, and being able to talk to someone who lives and breathes fashion is a dream come true. Even if I don’t get it, could we still do coffee? Love your content but yeah thanks for the opportunity anyway!
IG: @mitchthelion
I definitely need some good shopping time to ease my stress from work! Always love the quirky and unique design by Kenzo, and collaboration with H&M – it’s the best of both worlds!
IG: @thealleyboy