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


By AGENCY
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.

Kenzo was founded in 1970 by Japan's Kenzo Takada, who died from Covid-19 complications in October.

Read more: Remembering Kenzo Takada, the first Japanese designer to conquer Paris fashion

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

He has partnered with big names like Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Coca-Cola and Adidas – and last year released a men's collection with Virgil Abloh of Louis Vuitton.

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fashion , Nigo , Kenzo , LVMH , Tomoaki Nagao , streetwear

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