Kenzo Fall 2000/2001 Paris Collection video

Kenzo Takada left his namesake brand "KENZO" near the turn of the century in 1999. He was replaced by Gilles Rosier who took up the position of head design for womenswear. Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune called Rosier's first show, for fall-winter 2000-2001, "one of the smoothest and successful transitions of recent seasons." Paul White and his design firm MeCompany were tasked to redefine Kenzo's visual language, which meant they were responsible for their magazine advertisements, logo treatments, and runway video edits. This specific project co-relates to the later. Using burn transitions and pixel treatments MeCompany propelled Gilles Rosier's first runway presentation into a new digital dimension. Many of these treatments have been copied to death, which Paul White continually refers to as "oddly flattering." /////////////////////////////// "I tried to imagine what would happen if different minorities from all over the world met across time and space," said Gilles Rosier about his first solo collection for Kenzo. For his fast-paced, visually arresting show, Rosier reworked classic Kenzo favorites—loose shapes, colorful prints and patterns—into urban, modern looks that pay tribute to the house's heritage while decidedly moving ahead. Supple leather coats and skirts were given a punk touch when paired with lace-up ankle boots, patchwork plaids and batwing tops; there was also a graphic '80s influence in a series of large geometric-motif dresses. A touch of the orient became apparent through the Japanese orchid prints, slit kimono sleeves and obi sashes that were seamlessly woven in. It was a successful, eclectic collection for Rosier, who proved that he can create a modern image for Kenzo while remaining true to his mentor's roots. - Vogue