Designer

Humberto Leon and Carol Lim

Company profile

Since 2011, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have taken over the creative direction of
KENZO. Thanks to their new vision, the label has revived the spirit at the origin of its success.
Founders of the concept store « Opening Ceremony », launched in September 2002 in
New York and creators of the eponymous label, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are now
at the helm of KENZO, aiming to inject their original energy into Parisian fashion.
At the core of their approach, there is a love for travel, culture and fashion that manifests
in all that they do. At Opening Ceremony, they successfully combine up-and-coming
brands as well as established labels, while defying the standard expectations of the moment.
In the image of young Kenzo Takada, who managed to cleverly upset the codes of the 70’s,
this new creative duo breaks away from the expected. Driven by the environment of the
21st century, they consider the KENZO style like a game with resolutely personal rules.
Originally from Japan, Kenzo dreamed of coming to Paris. His wish became a reality in
1970 when he opened his first boutique, « Jungle Jap », located Galerie Vivienne. Right
from the start, he offered a different vision from the establishment of Parisian couture and
the closed creative universe at that time. Visionary and surrounded by an exciting group
of friends, he anticipated a free global spirit.
Both from California with Asian origins, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim want to take advantage
of all creative aspects of the world around them. Collaborating with avant-garde artists,
musician, actors, designers and many others, they have brought to Paris a unique twist.
Their spontaneity and experience are indispensable to fashion at this moment.
Their mission at KENZO is to instill a real joy of living and convey a new freshness to the
brand, while at the same time continuing to surprise and to shake up the ‘jungle’ of fashion.