Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

2 1 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Kenzo Spring/Summer 2015 W ithout a doubt, the fashion industry is a global one. A worldwide phenomenon that crosses geographical borders and transcends cultural divides. Still, there’s no denying that certain cities across the world have stronger ties to fashion than others. The boutiques of Paris, for instance, are famed for their demure ambience and chic aesthetic. Conversely, a city like New York – bursting with energy and creativity – has more than earned its reputation as one of the trendiest places on planet Earth. Ironically, the various individual fashion hubs of the world often keep themselves largely separate from one another, perfecting and honing their respective niches rather than sharing ideas and collaborating on new, exciting amalgamative projects. Happily, though, all of that looks set to change in a big way thanks to the arrival of the Kenzo summer 2015 menswear collection. Designed by US natives Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the line pays tribute to l’homme français in an explosion of delicate colours, bold patterns and iconic motifs. It’s a celebration of edgy, irreverent French style seen through wide, ambitious American eyes. In retrospect, Kenzo perhaps always has been the most likely candidate to undertake this kind of gutsy, culture- merge mission. Founded in Paris in 1970 by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, the original concept was born via infusing a typical high fashion Parisian approach to design with the many eccentricities of Japanese style. In short, the idea of two fashion worlds colliding is far from uncharted territory for the brand. Their summer 2015 menswear collection is the most recent example, in addition to being the latest in a long and prolific list of joint ventures between Leon and Lim. Following the launch of their wildly successful US-based brand Opening Ceremony, the visionary duo came on