Kenzo Finds Its Groove in a Playful, Nostalgic Turn at Paris Fashion Week 

Models wear creations for the men's Kenzo Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection, in Paris, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP)
Models wear creations for the men's Kenzo Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection, in Paris, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP)
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Kenzo Finds Its Groove in a Playful, Nostalgic Turn at Paris Fashion Week 

Models wear creations for the men's Kenzo Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection, in Paris, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP)
Models wear creations for the men's Kenzo Fall-Winter 2025-2026 collection, in Paris, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP)

Kenzo brought an electrifying jolt to Paris Fashion Week with a collection that blended nostalgia, cultural exchange and sharp tailoring under the leadership of Nigo.

With the graffiti artist Futura as a collaborator, the collection offered a fresh take on the brand’s signature aesthetic, fusing archival motifs with urban edge. The creative partnership channeled decades of shared influences, layering Kenzo’s heritage with the raw energy of 1990s street culture.

Bold patterns and thoughtful craftsmanship defined the runway. Futura’s iconic atom logo appeared reimagined with Kenzo’s florals on bombers, wide-leg pants, and tailored jackets.

Accessories, inspired by everyday objects like shopping bags and bouquet wraps, played with Japanese calligraphy and nostalgic cultural tags, adding tactile depth to the collection. These pieces reflected the era of cross-cultural exchange between Tokyo and New York, a key theme throughout the show.

The collection unveiled on Friday also showcased archival references with a contemporary twist. Train motifs, a nod to Kenzo’s late 1990s designs, appeared on suits and outerwear, while refined paisleys were integrated into modern workwear.

Weathered denim and six-button jackets brought a touch of sophistication to the nostalgic energy, blending vintage charm with precise tailoring. The collection’s footwear — chunky loafers and revisited Mary Janes — added playful contrast, grounding the designs in an approachable yet avant-garde aesthetic.

The atmosphere in the venue echoed the creative energy on display, with notable guests from fashion and music worlds contributing to the buzz.



Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
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Fashion Commission Celebrates Winners of 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)
The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design. (SPA)

The Saudi Fashion Commission concluded its "Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion" initiative with a special awards ceremony in Riyadh on Sunday.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 vision to promote traditional handcrafts by highlighting Saudi traditional attire, celebrating the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, and supporting local creative talents.

The competition aimed to integrate traditional handcraft techniques into contemporary fashion, creating a bridge between the past and present. Participants engaged in specialized workshops led by fashion experts, exploring ways to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles.

The program provided a holistic experience, teaching not only the techniques of handcrafts but also deepening participants' understanding of their historical and cultural significance.

A total of 235 applicants competed in the initiative, with 25 finalists selected for the final stage. The winning designs were showcased during the Saudi Cup 2025, coinciding with Founding Day celebrations. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising leading figures in fashion, arts, and heritage, selected the top ten designs.

The competition reinforces the Kingdom's cultural identity on the global fashion stage and highlights the potential of Saudi craftsmanship to inspire innovation in modern design.