Marked by major milestones such as becoming a finalist for the 2019 LVMH Prize and a capsule collection with legendary fashion house, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Ize is certainly one of Africa’s most important fashion exports. Given the stamp of approval by the likes of fashion powerhouses from Anna Wintour to Naomi Campbell, the 9-year old brand has seen a steady, yet, momentous incline since its inception in 2013. 

Last week, The NATIVE partnered with Chivas Regal and Kenneth Ize during Paris Fashion Week for the eponymous brand’s FW22 release. The fashion show brought together many Nigerian creatives to 3537, Paris and displayed an expression of who Kenneth Ize is in this moment. With this collection, Ize took inspiration from his Nigerian roots, with his signature use of traditional aso-oke to construct pieces with modern styles and silhouettes.

Inspired by the items from his mother’s wardrobe when he was growing up, Ize looked to his childhood when he would pass the days playing dress-up in her clothes. Kenneth tells us that with this collection, he made space to embrace his space for his femme for the world to see, much like he had always done in the confines of his mother’s wardrobe as a child.

In piecing this collection together, Kenneth created looks that he himself would wear, unencumbered by the constructs of gendered clothing. Inspired by his own past, the collection featured upcycled material of discarded clothes that may otherwise have gone to landfills or waste. The use of these materials give the clothes an authentically vintage feel, which compliment the timeless looks Kenneth constructed.

Following the show, attendees headed to a NATIVE-hosted party at the stylish bistro; Silencio des Prés. The crowd we gathered to celebrate Kenneth Ize included several models, influencers and artists from Temi Otedola to Roddy Ricch. The energy was free and pulsing with excitement and positivity as we all partied into the night. Going in felt like stepping into a speakeasy during the prohibition – a hidden place where people would gather to let loose away from the watchful eye of the government. A blast from the past within the modern world, it was very fitting for a party for a designer who blends the old with the new.

Watch our exclusive interview with Kenneth Ize here:

 

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