KENZO is honored to support the French Judo Team for their competitions in Paris this summer. This project echoes the strong involvement of LVMH, KENZO’s parent company, in supporting international sporting events and Competitions.
To accompany the French Judo athletes for this world-anticipated sports event, KENZO’s Artistic Director Nigo has imagined an outfit that nods to the sport’s Japanese origins: the team will wear the same Kimono-inspired suit that was unveiled during the Fall/Winter 2023 runway show by the brand.
The Kimono is a garment that underwent various changes since its creation in Japan in the 8th century. At its peak during the Edo era – characterized by economic growth, national stability and enjoyment of the arts – regardless of the wearer’s age, gender or social status, it is still worn during Japan’s significant events as a reminder of the country’s core culture.
The Kimono has also evolved in the practice of judo: its most notable changes throughout the years involved length and overall volume for greater freedom of movement and the use of thicker fabric to allow better grip and anchorage.
It is a symbol of discipline, respect and commitment to the martial art, which reflects values dear to KENZO. The authentic Kimono perfectly sums up the traditional Japanese roots that inform Nigo’s work ethos for the house, and it is reimagined here as a sartorial, ceremonial garment in its construction, is a further expression of the ‘East-meets-West’ creative stance the designer consistently elucidates with KENZO.
The French Olympic and Paralympic athletes will proudly wear the KENZO Kimono suit on various official occasions this summer.
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