Who is Nigo, and why is his takeover of the Kenzo fashion house a big deal?

Nigo, real name Tomoaki Nagao, made his name with his label A Bathing Ape in the 1990s – its marriage of streetwear and high-fashion making it a precursor to brands like Supreme. Photo: AFP

Streetwear pioneer Nigo was named as the new artistic director of Kenzo, luxury group LVMH announced Wednesday (Sept 15).

Known for his celebrity collaborations, Nigo takes over from Portuguese designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista, who quit the post in June after just two years.