Kenzo brings mischief back to Paris' iconic Maxim's with a riot of color and clash
PARIS (AP) — Few Paris addresses conjure myth quite like Maxim's, the gilded Belle Époque haunt where artists and aristocrats once jostled for a seat at dinner, and a place immortalized in Cole Porter's lyrics and classic Hollywood films as the very symbol of Parisian chic. On Friday night, at Paris Fashion Week the renowned restaurant-turned-nightclub became the improbable stage for Kenzo's latest co-ed show — a riot of pop color, celebrity and cultural collision served tableside.
Guests perched around white tablecloths as Nigo, the first Japanese designer to helm Kenzo since the late, great Kenzo Takada, set out to prove the house can still surprise. What unfolded was a knowingly playful mash-up of preppy classics and off-kilter eveningwear: eye-popping pink dresses loosely gathered and knotted, each one tossed with a Left Bank silk scarf; a slinky tuxedo jacket paired with a blaring urban-printed tee in wild color, topped with a cartoon bunny in intentional clash. Think cocktail hour by way of Shibuya street style.
Tongue-in-cheek references ran rampant — a circus master's striped waistcoat here, sheeny tiger-motif pants there, all nodding to Kenzo's signature mix of high craft and subcultural wink. If the goal was to recapture the house's historic sense of fun, Nigo went all in.
While the creativity on display was undeniable, the sheer abundance of ideas sometimes made it hard for a single vision to shine through. With so many bold references and layers echoing recent seasons' spirit of collaboration and eclecticism, the collection sometimes felt more like a lively collage than a focused statement. Still, there were moments where the craftsmanship and playful accessories truly stood out, offering glimpses of the distinct Kenzo spirit that Nigo has made his own.
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A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene.
Since joining Kenzo, Nigo has brought a fresh spirit of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, most visibly in his headline-grabbing work with Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and his frequent partnerships with artists from across the globe. That outward-looking energy has helped pull Kenzo back into the pop-culture conversation, blending the house's playful legacy with new momentum. As part of the LVMH stable, Kenzo now enjoys the reach and resources of the world's largest luxury group, giving Nigo freedom to experiment, push boundaries and reawaken the brand's irreverent roots.
It was a night that nodded to both past and future. After a string of worn years under the previous design duo, Kenzo seems determined to shake off old dust and reclaim its seat at Paris' most storied table. The show at Maxim's — equal parts fashion circus and cultural memory — was a reminder that Paris style is best served with a wink, a clash and more than a little mischief.
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Winnipeg Free Press
12 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Kenzo brings mischief back to Paris' iconic Maxim's with a riot of color and clash
PARIS (AP) — Few Paris addresses conjure myth quite like Maxim's, the gilded Belle Époque haunt where artists and aristocrats once jostled for a seat at dinner, and a place immortalized in Cole Porter's lyrics and classic Hollywood films as the very symbol of Parisian chic. On Friday night, at Paris Fashion Week the renowned restaurant-turned-nightclub became the improbable stage for Kenzo's latest co-ed show — a riot of pop color, celebrity and cultural collision served tableside. Guests perched around white tablecloths as Nigo, the first Japanese designer to helm Kenzo since the late, great Kenzo Takada, set out to prove the house can still surprise. What unfolded was a knowingly playful mash-up of preppy classics and off-kilter eveningwear: eye-popping pink dresses loosely gathered and knotted, each one tossed with a Left Bank silk scarf; a slinky tuxedo jacket paired with a blaring urban-printed tee in wild color, topped with a cartoon bunny in intentional clash. Think cocktail hour by way of Shibuya street style. Tongue-in-cheek references ran rampant — a circus master's striped waistcoat here, sheeny tiger-motif pants there, all nodding to Kenzo's signature mix of high craft and subcultural wink. If the goal was to recapture the house's historic sense of fun, Nigo went all in. While the creativity on display was undeniable, the sheer abundance of ideas sometimes made it hard for a single vision to shine through. With so many bold references and layers echoing recent seasons' spirit of collaboration and eclecticism, the collection sometimes felt more like a lively collage than a focused statement. Still, there were moments where the craftsmanship and playful accessories truly stood out, offering glimpses of the distinct Kenzo spirit that Nigo has made his own. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. Since joining Kenzo, Nigo has brought a fresh spirit of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, most visibly in his headline-grabbing work with Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton and his frequent partnerships with artists from across the globe. That outward-looking energy has helped pull Kenzo back into the pop-culture conversation, blending the house's playful legacy with new momentum. As part of the LVMH stable, Kenzo now enjoys the reach and resources of the world's largest luxury group, giving Nigo freedom to experiment, push boundaries and reawaken the brand's irreverent roots. It was a night that nodded to both past and future. After a string of worn years under the previous design duo, Kenzo seems determined to shake off old dust and reclaim its seat at Paris' most storied table. The show at Maxim's — equal parts fashion circus and cultural memory — was a reminder that Paris style is best served with a wink, a clash and more than a little mischief.
Winnipeg Free Press
15 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Chef Nobu serves his famous miso cod with a side of inspiration in a new documentary
NEW YORK (AP) — World-famous chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa has been tantalizing foodies for decades as he built his empire to include more than 50 upscale restaurants and several luxury hotels. The new documentary, 'Nobu,' reveals the man behind the cuisine in an intimate look at how he found success, despite several major setbacks. The film traces Matsuhisa's journey to creating his unique fusion cuisine, blending traditional Japanese dishes with ingredients discovered while living in Peru. Matsuhisa, now 76, was driven to run his own restaurant but faced obstacles, including financial woes, doubters and a devastating fire at one of his first spots. Candid and sometimes emotional interviews with Matsuhisa are interspersed with mouthwatering shots of his 'Nobu-style' culinary treats, made with a precision and standard of excellence his diners have come to expect. 'Nobu' releases widely July 2. Director Matt Tyrnauer and the chef himself sat down with The Associated Press to discuss his perseverance, creativity and influence on the culture. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: One of the most dynamic things about the film is the gorgeous food. How did you approach it, Matt? TYRNAUER: Nobu started as a graphic designer, and you can really see it in the plates. The totality of his vision for creating a new type of cuisine, which he calls 'Nobu style,' or the signature dishes, was really interesting, but also the beauty of the presentation, which is so important. We had cameras everywhere — on the ceiling, we had them over the shoulder, and anything to kind of get the precision and the detail. At a certain point in the film, you see him correcting some of the chefs who work for him and it's a pretty tough process because he's a perfectionist. I wanted to show that. AP: There are many difficult moments in the film and you have to relive some pain from your past. How was that process for you Chef Nobu? MATSUHISA: Even though my life was pain, but I learned from this pain. Also I learned lots and lots of love from people who supported me. So nothing is losing, in my experience. I'd like to say, at my age, I can say, I did my life. AP: Matt, were there any surprises when you were shooting the film? TYRNAUER: When he broke down on camera and couldn't stop crying, it was a big surprise. I didn't understand the true wound of the loss of Nobu's best friend, Sakai. I've interviewed a lot of people. I've never had anyone really be so emotional. I thought it was extraordinary and very beautiful, actually, and very honest. Nobu invited me to go see the grave of his dear friend who had taken his own life and the pain and the suffering that we see on camera is unexpected in a movie that you think is just going to be about great food and the artistry of being a chef. There's a soulfulness to it. ___ If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at ___ AP: Your world travel helped you develop your Nobu style. You're still traveling and visiting restaurants. Can you talk about that? MATSUHISA: I made the Nobu corporate teams. These teams that are traveling with me … they stand by at all the locations, and they set up, then they're training for the next generations. The Nobu teams keep growing like a family, and they (are) working there long times so they understand Nobu's quality, philosophy, the passions, how to do service. We have good teams. AP: From 'The Bear' to reality TV, there is high interest in what goes on in restaurant kitchens in pop culture now. Did that play into the film? Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. TYRNAUER: What I wanted to do was show the process and put that on display. Part of the secret to his success is that he's actually created a very civilized culture, and it comes from the top down. I think that's why he goes around the world like he does and visits all these restaurants and trains the chefs personally in his own style. But his own temperament is exemplary. AP: What do you want people to take away from the film? MATSUHISA: I'm very glad because I didn't give up on my life. That's the message. Even (when) the young people has a problem, I like to say, 'Don't give up. Just don't forget about the ambitions, passions and go step by step.' ___ This story has been corrected to report that 'Nobu' releases widely on July 2, not July 1.
Vancouver Sun
17 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Beauty Buzz: The 3 best beauty products we tried this week from Rhode, Tatcha and Nuxe
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. We try dozens of beauty products each month. These were our testers' three favourite launches this week: They say: A new facial moisturizer from Tatcha that features Japanese purple rice, prebiotic green tea extract and zinc hyaluronate to provide lightweight hydration that balances oil and provides a dewy, bouncy glow. We say: This moisturizer is lightweight yet effective. Our tester layered it on following her go-to toner and serum and was pleased with how soothed and hydrated her skin felt. Plus, the product size makes it a perfect travel partner this summer. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. $80 | They say: A new mist from new beauty billionaire Hailey Bieber's brand Rhode, this superfine spray features five hero ingredients including magnolia extract, ectoin and ceramides to provide a 'next-level glow'. We say: While there's a lot of buzz around the brand's makeup (it is very good), we've found the skincare to be among the real stars of the Rhode lineup. From the Glazing Milk to the Barrier Restore Cream, our tester reports the line delivers on its promise of glowing, hydrated skin. This mist falls in line with the rest, providing an instant dose of hydration where spritzed and a trending glass skin-like finish. $48 | They say: A night cream that promises to be 'more effective than retinol' thanks to an Alfa Technology, which includes alfalfa extract, hyaluronic acid, and hemerocallis fulva extract. We say: Our tester, a woman in her 60s, found this rich moisturizer gave her skin an instant dose of hydration. A little goes a long way and she didn't not any issues with sensitivity. With regular use, she noted her skin appeared 'smoother and brighter' than before. $88 |
