Inspired by the new live-action Jungle Book film (which premieres April 15), Kenzo designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon are paying homage to Disney's 1967 animated classic with a new, high-fashion collection of clothing; the offering is comprised of summery shirtdresses, shorts, and skirts decorated in original sketches of beloved characters like Mowgli, King Louie, Baloo, and more. Even Kenzo's signature tiger sweatshirts and T-shirts have gotten the Jungle Book treatment, with Shere Khan replacing the brand's emblem. "There’s a way that everything comes together that is slightly familiar, but also really fresh and exciting," Lim and Leon said in a joint statement. As far as the silhouettes go, they explained that they specifically opted for pieces they felt aligned with the new direction Disney has taken with the story. "There is a slight nod to jungle/safari elements (and even beautiful printed silk shorts directly inspired by Mowgli’s costume)," they continued. "Everything has been executed in a way that feels elevated and modern, which has been the collective goal of Disney and Kenzo from the very beginning of this collaboration."
"The Jungle Book has always been my favorite Disney movie, because it resonated with my fear of being alone," Leon told Vogue. "I love the spirit of independence and conquering fear." The themes of the film aren't totally new for the brand, either: Designer Kenzo Takada's first storefront in Paris was named Jungle Jap, the walls appropriately dressed with prints. That idea of the urban jungle is still at the core of Kenzo's mission, as evident in its color-packed animal prints and signature logo.
The Kenzo x Jungle Book collaboration is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman for the launch, but is set to drop on Kenzo's website on April 7. Check out the lookbook, as well as the women's pieces, ahead.
The designers got access to Disney's archives in order to dream up the bright patterns that tie together the collection.
"We were able to [watch] some never-before-seen segments of the original movie, and seeing the process behind their creation was the most exciting part of this collaboration," Leon told Vogue.
The collection includes ready-to-wear with popping prints (often spotted on Kenzo's runways), alongside more casual jersey pieces (which bear the brand's instantly recognizable tiger emblem).
"What we found most appealing for this project was to marry strong Jungle Book elements with details that we know as quintessential Kenzo," Leon and Lim said in a press release.
The prices of the Kenzo x Jungle Book capsule range from $135 for T-shirts to $705 for a printed silk-twill dress.
The pairing was first announced in February, with an appropriately colorful, peppy teaser video set to a familiar tune.
While this is the first time the French brand worked with Disney on this type of project, Leon and Lim have dreamt up film-inspired collections (for Where the Wild Things Are and Tron) for Opening Ceremony, The Cut reports.
The transient nature of a limited-edition capsule appealed to Leon, because it creates a sense of urgency in the shopper, the designer told Pret-a-Reporter at the collaboration's launch party in Paris. So, you'll want to keep an eye out on April 7, when the pieces land on Kenzo's shelves. In the meantime, start planning your shopping...
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $280, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $280, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $280, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $280, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt in Single Cotton Jersey, $135, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt in Single Cotton Jersey, $135, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt in Single Cotton Jersey, $135, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt in Single Cotton Jersey, $135, available on April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $365, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt in Single Cotton Jersey, $180, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book T-shirt Dress in Skate Cotton Jersey, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Tiger Jacquard Jumper in Cotton Melange Knit, $560, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Sweat in Cotton Molleton, $325, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Jumper in Cotton Knit, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Hawaii" Top in Silk Twill, $415, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Hawaii" Short-sleeved Shirt in Cotton Poplin, $275, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Jungle" Shirtdress in Cotton Viscose, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Hawaii" Reversible Dress in Silk Twill, $705, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Hawaii" Short in Silk Twill, $505, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Jungle Skirt in Cotton Drill, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book Jungle Pocket Dress in Cotton Drill, available April 7 at Kenzo.
Kenzo x Jungle Book"Hawaii" Hooded Parka in Light Nylon, available April 7 at Kenzo.
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