May I introduce: KOKON TO ZAI
London Shopping
From the moment on Rihanna got dressed head to toe in KTZ while rocking the stage, worldwide attention was brought to the brand. I've spotted it a few seasons ago at Mens Fashion Week in London as they have a really strong signature look. KTZ is located in London and famous for their masculine cuts, Arabic influences and tribal patterns in all variations. Veils, burkas, and ample robes combined with modern hip-hop impact, that seems to be the perfect mix. If I would have to chose on label and only wear that for the rest of my life, it would definitely be KTZ.
During my visit to London I therefore hat to visit the KTZ shop "Kokon To Zai" where I met lovely manager Joanna Hir who told me everything I always wanted to know about KTZ. I finally also had to get that pair of awesome platform sneakers that will hopefully arrive soon.
When was KTZ founded?
KTZ was founded in 2008 however the Kokon To Zai stores exist since 1996.
What does Kokon To Zai mean, If it means anything at all and how is it related to KTZ.
It is Japanese term which means "east meets west” and relates to the broad cultural influences presented in each collection.
Music plays a huge role in the concept of Kokon To Zai, how?
Kokon To Zai started its trade as a music store and as a part of the organic growth it merged into fashion destination. Music was always very important tool we use to complement the collections and inspirations behind them. We had the pleasure of working on our show music with world’s best known producers such us Diplo, A-trak and Larry Tee.
Artists like ASAP Rocky and Rihanna have been wearing a lot of KTZ, did that effect the brand at all, did you experience a major push?
Rihanna and ASAP are great brand ambassadors and help us to rise brand awareness worldwide.
You have a lot of Arabic influences or cultural influences in general, how important do you think that is in fashion?
Elements of traditional tribal art and culture are signature for KTZ designs and we believe it has strong both aesthetic and educational impact on the western consumer.
When did you start presenting seasonal collections?
In 2009 with our SS10 collection .
Name three style icons that would just fit perfectly (or already do) to KTZ.
Rihanna, Kanye West, Bjork for their visionary approach to fashion.
You have a lot of prints in almost all of your designs, where do you get the inspiration for them?
Tribal art and design. Our design team travels the world in the search for the inspiration.
Is there a country or city that inspires you the most?
Defiantly London, Tokyo, LA are the world's meccas for the new global trends.
What market do you think will be the most important to KTZ in the future?
Asia and US is growing really fast at the moment.
Where do you want KTZ to be at in 5 years?
We hope to create international tribe of loyal KTZ followers who will introduce the brand aesthetics to their communities and help us to spread the love.
see the whole interview in German on DISTRITC MTV!
Jan. 19, 2014
Labels: May I introduce
