Kozo’s collaboration with Maison Margiela began with a pair of gifted sunglasses. Or, more accurately, a party.
The New York-based tattoo artist attended a party hosted by the brand and Gentle Monster, and was introduced to the Margiela team through his now-agent. What could have been a simple party gift turned into something much more exciting.
“Initially, it was made for maybe putting it on the stories, tagging them, but I said, you know what? I’m not going to do that. I’m going to take it to my studio and I’m going to show them what I have in mind,” Kozo said. “I took it to my tattoo studio and I started tattooing the sunglasses.”
The artist has since made his mark on Margiela’s other accessories, all via a tattoo gun. A bag was made to look as if it was duct-taped, and pairs of shoes were accessories with ink “drips,” butterflies emerging from what appears to be a rip, and more in Kozo’s signature style of hyperrealist classical works of art.
“This is what I do on people’s body, and this is what I do on large canvases and sculptures — but also now on shoes and bags,” he said. “It’s nice to bring it all together and just create like this complete story,” he added. “This was the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m the biggest fan of this brand and what they do, and this edginess.”
The artist is also exhibiting his work at one of the many art fairs in town — a couple who had just acquired one of his canvas works stopped by the boutique to meet him — and plans to stick around Miami for a couple of extra weeks to revel in the moment.
“I’m going to tattoo some friends of mine in my hotel,” he said. “If you’re interested, let me know.”
One of those tattoo clients might just be OTB president Renzo Rosso, eager to get some fresh ink. The businessman was in town for the Margiela event, along with the 30th anniversary of the Pelican Hotel the following night.
“I went to Basel this morning, to the fair,” Rosso said. “I find it very interesting this time — better than last year. Much better than last year.” Did he purchase anything while he was there? “I put in an order,” he demurred.
Other guests included Paloma Elsesser, Saint Jhn, Selah Marley, Rickey Thompson, Miles Greenberg and Brittany Byrd.
The scene at Maison Margiela x Kozo cocktail party.
Lexie Moreland/WWD
