Seeing Double

The vogue for combining men’s and womenswear collections makes plenty of sense – buyers still have budget, editors get that bit more downtime, designers are able to create a more impressionable narrative – and it leaves room for certain brands to come up with something a little more special, away from their bread and butter wares. Such was the case for Kenzo this season, who presented a second collection in Paris under the banner of ‘La Collection Memento N°1’.

Strictly Archive

According to creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, ‘La Collection Memento N°1’ is the first in a series that celebrates the brand’s archive and is “rooted in pieces that were created during our founders’ journey and welcomes back to life pieces that are truly Kenzo”. The most prominent offering here was a cream dress with frilled collar and puff sleeves, a subtle double of a bright pink number from way back when.

You Take Me Higher

Lifting, literally, the vintage frills and flower heavy collection was a series of higher than high platform shoes. Coming through in shades such as pink, navy, white and black, the Spice Girl appropriate pieces offered a nod to recent flatform x Velcro trends, with additional sturdy points courtesy of substantial grip soles.