This summer is all about fun denim and golfing style

April 19, 2024 | 12:00am

Denim in this heat? Only when it’s Kenzo.

City pop – the funk-meets-disco sound and retro-futurism aesthetic that emerged during the Japanese economic boom of the 1980s – is back in a big way this summer.

It inspires Kenzo artistic director Nigo’s spring summer collection as he looked at how founder Kenzo Takada interpreted this time period from the French brand’s archives.

His version is, of course, very much current: Japanese tailoring meets the oversize proportions of the ‘70s and the ‘80s, paired with semi-sheer knits and short shifts in a blurring of menswear and womenswear codes. Dress shorts in wide pleats are a hybrid of a hakama, and a double-breasted pinstripe jacket takes on the relaxed fit of a kimono. 

Graphics also feature prominently throughout the collection. Nigo’s close friend, the Japanese graphic artist and k-pop group Blackpink’s latest artistic director Verdy, contributed a reimagined “Kenzo Paris” logo, emblazoned on the back of jean jackets and windbreakers and even in some of the tailored pieces. A rose print reinterpreted from the Kenzo archive refreshes sheer, body-skimming pieces. 

Kenzo has been exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Stores Specialists, Inc. since late last year and this star-studded relaunch at the 96-square meter store carries current season offerings, as well as limited-edition collaborations, such as the highly-coveted Kenzo x Asics sneakers designed by artistic director Nigo, making it a true pilgrimage stop for fans of Kenzo and Nigo.

***

Kenzo is at G/F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St., Makati.

Golf is the sport of the season and Kate Spade New York have the bags to match

No heatwave can deter golfers old and new from stepping out in the sun. Arguably the trendiest sport in recent years (along with tennis), its elegant gameplay fits right into the resurgence of the preppy, “old money” aesthetic, characterized by its refined, traditional look.

If anyone is going to make it fun, it’s Kate Spade with its Tee Time line. The mini-golf whimsy of the wicker 3D windmill top handle bag is the star of the novelty collection while small bag enthusiasts will love the humor and surprisingly roomy shape of the 3D ball crossbody; its astroturf back and tee and putter charms keep things cheeky.

Fans of Kate Spade’s classic silhouettes or those seeking more functional shapes will enjoy a pop of color as the brand reimagines the archival print Noel in this collection, now in recycled jacquard with leather trim.

***

Kate Spade New York is located at Greenbelt 5, Shangri-La Plaza, Central Square, Power Plant Mall, Okada Manila, and on Trunc.ph. 

Visit ssilife.com.ph, follow @ssilifeph on Instagram, or download the My SSI Life App in Google Play or the Apple Store for more information.