NIGO “FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE”
At London’s Design Museum, NIGO: From Japan With Love unfolds as an immersive journey through the creative universe of one of Japan’s most influential designers. Running from May 1 to October 4, 2026, this landmark exhibition offers an unprecedented look at how NIGO — born Tomoaki Nagao — shaped global culture through fashion, music, and design.
From the bustling backstreets of Harajuku to the runways of Paris, NIGO’s work has defined what it means to merge streetwear with luxury. The exhibition celebrates his evolution from the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE®) to creative director at KENZO, capturing three decades of innovation, collaboration, and cultural storytelling.
The Visionary Behind a Global Movement
Emerging in 1990s Tokyo, NIGO transformed local street style into an international phenomenon. With BAPE®, he introduced a new design language — graphic, bold, and deeply connected to youth identity. His pieces became symbols of exclusivity and creativity, often selling out instantly and influencing a generation of designers, artists, and musicians.
Beyond fashion, NIGO’s world extends into music and art. As a producer, DJ, and collector, he bridges creative disciplines, embodying the same hybrid spirit that defines today’s global culture. His passion for Americana, vintage collectibles, and meticulous design curation is reflected in every facet of his work — from early streetwear archives to his refined vision for KENZO.
Inside the Exhibition
NIGO: From Japan With Love is both retrospective and revelation. Visitors step into a space that mirrors the designer’s layered world — where high fashion, pop culture, and personal nostalgia collide.
Expect to see:
Iconic BAPE® pieces from the 1990s and 2000s, including the famous camo hoodies and shark motifs.
Human Made garments and collaborations reflecting NIGO’s evolving aesthetic.
KENZO designs that merge Japanese tradition with Parisian couture.
Personal collections of vintage clothing, toys, records, and memorabilia that reveal the designer’s creative DNA.
Every piece tells a story of transformation — from underground to mainstream, from local to global, from trend to timelessness.
Themes and Takeaways
The exhibition highlights how NIGO redefined fashion by merging creativity, community, and culture.
Streetwear as design: NIGO elevated everyday wear into collectible art. His approach blurred the lines between designer and fan, brand and lifestyle.
Collecting as creativity: Decades before “archival fashion” became a trend, NIGO was building one of the world’s most influential personal archives — a living reflection of cultural exchange.
Heritage and innovation: At KENZO, he fused traditional Japanese motifs with global modernity, showing that heritage can fuel rather than limit innovation.
Collaboration as culture: From Pharrell Williams to Virgil Abloh, NIGO’s creative partnerships underscore his role as a connector — a figure whose vision transcends industries.
Why It Matters
For fashion enthusiasts, NIGO: From Japan With Love is more than an exhibition — it’s a cultural moment. It positions streetwear not as a passing trend, but as a legitimate chapter in design history. It celebrates authenticity, individuality, and the art of remixing influences into something entirely new.
For creatives, it’s an invitation to reflect on legacy: how one person’s curiosity, taste, and vision can shape global aesthetics.
Visit the Exhibition
Dates: May 1 – October 4, 2026
Location: The Design Museum, London
Website: designmuseum.org/exhibitions/nigo-from-japan-with-love