Model performance: Kenzo show joins the circus

Paris – Design house Kenzo celebrated its 40th anniversary at Paris Fashion Week, with Antonio Marras at the creative helm. While the main collection featured a variety of prints and layers, it was the closing half of the show that caused a stir.

Inspired by the work of performance artist Nick Cave, stylist Vanessa Reid sent models down the catwalk at the Cirque d’Hiver (Winter Circus) laden with garments taken from Marras’s archive of work. Thick, patterned, Japanese woven fabrics were draped and twisted, each model with a completely different look from the one before to create exaggerated forms and curious doll-like characters.

LS:N Global previously cited Nick Cave as a key reference for its recent Cultural Remix design direction and reported on his use of traditional textiles to experiment with surreal form.

For a round-up of all the trends at Paris Fashion Week for spring/summer 2011, look out for our forthcoming Inspire article.