oubtedly one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, Louis Vuitton's collaborator and artistic director of Virgil Abloh's's menswear line, Nigo, has left an indelible mark on the world of luxury streetwear.
Nigo, born as Tomoaki Nagao, is a Japanese designer known for his groundbreaking work with Bathing Ape and Human Made. His unique style, which seamlessly blends high fashion with streetwear, has won him numerous accolades and an impressive global following.
Nigo's Journey: From Bathing Ape to Human Made
Nigo's rise to prominence began with the founding of Bathing Ape in 1993. The brand, a pioneering force in Japanese streetwear, was known for its bold graphics and innovative sizing.
The success of Bathing Ape led Nigo to establish Human Made in 2010. The new label, unlike its predecessor, offered a wider range of products, from casual wear to accessories. Human Made's unique aesthetic, characterized by its bold use of color and graphic but minimalist designs, solidified Nigo's status as a leading streetwear designer.
Bathing Ape's Impact on Streetwear
Nigo's first enterprise, Bathing Ape, was instrumental in shaping the global streetwear scene. The brand's distinctive 'shark hoodie', featured in numerous music videos and on the streets of major cities, became an unofficial uniform for youth culture.
With A Bath, Nigo created a brand that not only catered to the burgeoning streetwear market but also introduced Japanese aesthetics to the mainstream. The brand's influence can still be seen in today's streetwear, with its bold graphics and daring color combinations inspiring designers worldwide.
The Evolution of Human Made
Human Made, Nigo's second label, marked a new chapter in his career. While Bathing Ape was a staple of East Asian streetwear, Human Made was a global streetwear brand from the start.
Nigo achieved this expansion by expanding Human Made's product range. From t-shirts and hoodies, Human Made now offers denim, outerwear, and has even ventured into home goods. The brand's growth also saw it collaborate with a range of global brands, including Nike, fragment design, and Supreme, further cementing its global appeal.
Nigo's Role at Louis Vuitton
In 2021, LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, appointed Nigo as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collections. His appointment signaled a shift in the luxury fashion industry, marking the first time a Japanese designer held a top creative position at a major European luxury brand.
Nigo's appointment brought a new energy to Louis Vuitton's menswear line. He has brought his streetwear aesthetic to the historic brand, infusing traditional LV designs with bold prints, vibrant colors, and unexpected details, while staying true to the brand's heritage.
The LV x Nigo Collaboration
One of Nigo's first projects at Louis Vuitton was a collaborative collection with Virgil Abloh, the late artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear. The collection, a fusion of Abloh's 'afro-futuristic' aesthetic and Nigo's streetwear sensibilities, was a celebration of their shared love for the streets and a nod to the future of luxury fashion.
Other notable collections under Nigo's leadership include the 'Horizon' line, which celebrated the brand's history of virile and outdoor clothing, and the 'Jazz' series, inspired by the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram and Louisessaging.
With each collection, Louis Vuitton continues to assert itself as the world's leading luxury brand, and Nigo, with his cutting-edge vision and reverence for the brand's heritage, is at the helm of this exciting era. As the brand looks forward, it's clear that Nigo's influence on the future of luxury menswear will be profound and enduring."