Designers Carol Lim & Humberto Leon presented KENZO‘s Fall Winter 2019.20 Collection, inspired by Humberto’s Chinese-Peruvian heritage – the Tusán people whose ancestors came from Guangdong and set up home in Peru in the 19th century. French brand unveiled their AW19.20 collection on Sunday, January 20th, during the last day of the recently finished Paris Fashion Week.
Related: KENZO FW19.20 Menswear Collection
“Today they number in the millions, and the diffusion of Asian traditions throughout South America is a palpable force. This rich and colorful exchange of stories mixes with the contemporary realities of alpine life, as extreme conditions see both men and women layering bright, ethnic textiles with modern tactical garments. In our interpretation, the drama of the Andean colour palette (from Cusco to Machu Picchu) meets piles of fuzzy texture and a touch of Parisian sophistication. Couched in the Ayahuasca dreamscape show set by the artist Pablo Amaringo, this collection invokes discovery and exploration through mind, body, and spirit.
Within the women’s collection, hiking gear has an overt feminine twist, as swirling polar fleece comes tailored and swathes of waterproof nylon are given soft volume and drape. Inspired by the import of rice into Peru, knitwear and recycled raffia pieces feature custom KENZO calligraphy, and an archive ‘Earth’ print returns under the cover of clouds. Pollera and pencil skirts receive the technical treatment, traced with drawstrings and paired with zipped mock-necks or patch-pocket blouses in tonal ensembles. Papery leather shines in roomy parka and anorak shapes, whilst shaggy jacquard faux-furs create wood print and blanket plaid effects. 5-pocket jean and cropped cargos are cut in winter wools or acid-washed denim.“
Photos by Mohamed Khalil.
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