KENZO unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 men's and women's collections, accompanied by a story inspired by the former residence of its founder, Kenzo Takada, located in the Bastille district of Paris. Creative director NIGO stated, " KENZO is a brand that expresses freedom, color, and joy, and we want people to feel that through our clothes," positioning this collection as an homage to Kenzo Takada.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

This former residence is a wooden building surrounded by bamboo, cherry trees, and a pond where carp swim, and was constructed between 1988 and 1993. It served not only as a place for meditation and rest for Kenzo Takada, but also as a showroom, presentation venue, and venue for legendary parties. For NIGO, this collection is both a physical "homecoming" and an attempt to return to the brand's codes and silhouettes, starting from when he took over in Spring/Summer 2022.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

A dialogue between French and Japanese aesthetics runs consistently throughout the collection. Diverse cultural codes, such as college graphics, cowboy shirts, classic Italian tailoring, and Chinese pankou details, are layered together to form KENZO 's unique eclectic worldview. The "hometown" discussed here is not a fixed place, but rather presented as a "wearable space" where anyone can comfortably surrender themselves.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

NIGO's approach to the archives is also full of his characteristic precision and playfulness. The tiger motif that appeared in the 1980s "KENZO Jungle" collection has been reinterpreted as a signature of button-down shirts, and the letter "K," quoted from the archives, is featured on T-shirts, jackets, and cardigans. The embroidered organza skirt from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection is also revisited, and its floral pattern has spread to jackets and shoes.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Visual playfulness is a major feature of this season. Two-tone neo-tailoring and archive silhouettes from the 1990s reappear, while deep navy, Prince of Wales patterns, bicolor and tricolor stripes are juxtaposed with bold checkerboard knits. The soft tones of the 1970s resonate with strong blues, well-tailored grays, and vibrant yellows and reds, giving the collection a rich rhythm.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Silhouettes and archetypes are updated with functional interventions and subtle details. Kimono structures evolve into suit collars and peaked lapels, while cowboy shirts are adorned with floral embroidery and contrasting piping. Japanese selvedge denim is continuously used, enhanced with sun fading for added texture. Furthermore, the new house signature, "Kenzo Gram," is being expanded to denim, nylon, knitwear, and accessories.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

The shoes and bags also extend the narrative of floral patterns and college spirit. Work boots with steel toes, embroidered ballet flats, loafers, and lightweight canvas lace-ups are among the offerings, while the 1986 Kite bag is revived as a faithful replica, further enhanced with a new interpretation in color-block leather.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

For Fall/Winter 2026, KENZO embraces "hometown" as a resilient, multi-layered, and living concept. Clothes exist to move, dance, run, and play. The dialogue between French and Japanese cultural aesthetics, a rich narrative exchanged between the founder and his successor, shapes contemporary KENZO with warmth and humor.

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

Photography by Linus Morales / Courtesy of KENZO

[Credit]
Photography by Linus Morales
Video by Pablo Tapia Plá
Styling by Marq Rise
Makeup by Anthony Preel
Hair by Ramona Eschbach
Music by Ryuichi Sakamoto

*This article contains information about products that are not currently available in stores as of February 11th (Wednesday).

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