Featuring Signature Symbols, KENZO Unveils the Varsity Jungle Collection
To serve as a heartfelt homemage to Kenzo Takada's legacy, the French fashion house reimagines its iconic elephant and tiger prints.
Since its inception, KENZO has been known for a style that meant freedom for everyone. Even with Kenzo Takada’s passing, the French fashion house continuously cultivates modernity with codes claiming borderless fashion that redefines diversity. To honor his legacy, Artistic Director Nigo reimagines iconic prints with the KENZO Varsity Jungle Collection.
The late designer was remembered for featuring elephants and tigers in countless collections—turning them into signature symbols. Reflecting on Kenzo Takada’s passion for nature, The Varsity Jungle collection presents playful T-shirts, jersey sweatshirts, and cardigans with distinct elephant and tiger prints. Known for having the best memory of all creatures, the elephant was Takada’s favorite animal, using them as both a motif and symbol throughout his collections. While the tiger graphics were reintroduced in the KENZO Fall/Winter 2022 collection, Nigo puts his personal touch and takes inspiration from 1950s sailor tattoo imagery for the elephant graphics. To illustrate its launch, KENZO tapped photographer Frank Lebon in the production of a campaign celebrating the values closeness and togetherness throughout KENZO’s iconic designs featuring elephants and tigers. The visuals showcase a vibrant set of characters projecting a strong sense of community.
Welcoming people across Asia, the Varsity Jungle collection officially launched last April 12th at the ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay Sands. In the sunny state of Singapore, larger-than-life installations embodied the playful spirit of the KENZO Varsity Jungle collection and hallmarked Nigo as artistic director. The evening drew celebrities and influencers including Keung To from Hong Kong, Austin Lin from Taiwan, OFF from Thailand, Glenn Yong and Valerie Wang from Singapore, and Filipina fashion icon, Laureen Uy. “It’s so fun and playful—and I love how you can easily style the pieces and stand out easily because of the colors and prints,” she says.
The KENZO Varsity Jungle collection is now available at respective KENZO Asia stores.
