Rumble in the Jungle

Usually when we say the word "jungle" we refer to something chaotic or disorganized, but visually they are among the most cohesive surrounding on the planet. Aesthetically, colour is king and just about every life form has learned to advertise itself using colour or camouflage itself to hide amongst the plants. Both Hayley Elsaesser and Kenzo have recognized this and taken inspiration from the jungle in all its splendor. The animal menagerie you see before you is not too unlike that from Disney's 'The Jungle Book' way back in the 1960s. From things that slither to the most fearsome of feline predators, knitted prints and silk dresses captured the full spectrum of wildlife from the rainforest. Elsaesser has combined her loud prints with anthropogenic iconography such as eight balls wearing cowboy hats, whereas Kenzo have revistited their muse over a number of seasons. The end result is eye-popping colour in a range of comfortable and roomy shapes and silhouettes perfect for a walk through the savannah or traipsing through the forest. 

1, 14, 20- directing, casting and styling by gwarngal for Kenzo. 2, 6, 16, 22, 25, 28, 30- The Jungle Book (1967). 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, 27, 29, 31- Hayley Elsaesser Fall 2015 via Fashion Magazine. 5- Backstage at Kenzo Spring/Summer 2013. 10- Photo courtesy of Mark Sommerfeld. 11a & b, 24,  'Electric Jungle' Kenzo's new video for Resort 2013. 17- Kenzo at Paris Spring 2013 (Details). 32- KENZO Spring Summer 2013 'X Campaign' by Jean-Paul Goude.

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