Image via Complex Original
London-based Kokon to Zai (KTZ) first manifested as a creative space in 1996, but has since grown into a clothing brand. Though it can be difficult for non-American labels to tap into the stateside market, that hasn't been the case for KTZ. Designers Koji Maruyama and Marhan Perjoski, and CEO Sasha "Sasko" Bezovski have garnered a huge following for their religious prints, embroidered graphics, and forward sense of fashion.
They've released great collections, and haven't lost their touch with their most recent one. In the last few months, KTZ has also become a celebrity favorite. It started around the time Kanye West wore some leather gloves in the "Birthday Song" video and A$AP Rocky received a custom hoodie with matching pants. See who else has been spotted in the UK brand in this Gallery of Celebrities Wearing KTZ.
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Kanye West
Where: "Birthday Song" video
When: August 2012
Complex says: Even when it's not his music video, Kanye comes dressed to impress. The rapper joined 2 Chainz in the "Birthday Song" video wearing a black Just Don snapback, $1,599 En Noir leather sweatpants, Nike Air Yeezy 2 sneakers, and KTZ leather gloves.
Kanye West
Where: MTV VMA promo commercial
When: August 2012
Complex says: Then, 'Ye starred in this hilarious MTV VMA promo commercial wearing a pair of KTZ church embroidered shorts. In the clip, he and Kim say they just got back from the gym. Those are some expensive shorts to lift weights in.
Jay Z
Where: Made in America Festival
When: September 2012
Complex says: Jay Z did not wear Givenchy on the second day of the festival. Instead, he hung out with Beyoncé wearing this KTZ hoodie, which people presumably went on the hunt for after photos hit the Internet.
Theophilus London
Where: New York Fashion Week
When: September 2012
Complex says: Theophilus has never been one to shy away from taking style risks. Last fall, he tried the "tights under shorts" trend.
Kanye West
Where: Versace SoHo store opening
When: October 24, 2012
Complex says: Kanye pulls off these heavy metal-inspired sweatpants by wearing them with Yeezy 2s, a solid black tee, and luxe-looking moto jacket.
Big Sean
Where: Los Angeles
When: 2012
Complex says: While shooting a video in L.A., Big Sean channelled his inner street goth when he rocked these KTZ shorts with built-in leggings.
A$AP Rocky
Where: London
When: January 2013
Complex says: Rocky may have raised a few eyebrows with this extra long hoodie, but don't forget: He's the one who predicted that "clothes get weirder."
Wiz Khalifa
Where: 2050 Tour
When: 2013
Complex says: Even Wiz, who was once known for his love of all-over prints, took a liking to KTZ's designs.
Rihanna
Where: Lakers vs. Clippers game
When: April 2013
Complex says: It's a fact that Rihanna looks hot in menswear, and seeing her take on the backwards snapback and coordinating sweatpants/tank top look only reminds us why she's so dope.
Rita Ora
Where: Instagram
When: April 2013
Complex says: Rita Ora is one of the few women who still looks hot in men's clothes. If you need proof, just see the photo above, where she wore a KTZ hoodie from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection.
A$AP Ferg
Where: Hot 97 Summer Jam festival
When: June 2013
Complex says: Leave it to the Trap Lord to hit the Summer Jam stage in head-to-toe KTZ, one of the event's most stylish moments.
A$AP Rocky
Where: On tour
When: April 2013
Complex says: A$AP Rocky stunted on everyone when he rocked this custom KTZ hoodie with matching sweatpants while on tour. V.v.v. #rare.
Rihanna
Where: Paris Fashion Week
When: July 2013
Complex says: This lacy number made us bigger fans of KTZ, and also Rihanna's awesome style. She's not afraid to push boundaries, and we love her for that.
Rihanna
Where: Roskilde Festival in Denmark
When: July 2013
Complex says: By this point, we've seen RiRi wear KTZ courtside at basketball games, while on tour, and more. This head-to-toe KTZ outfit from the Spring/Summer 2014 is in a league of its own. And so is Rihanna—it's not even out in stores yet.
Trinidad James
Where: Instagram
When: July 2013
Complex says: Trinidad James we know 'bout ya... rocking KTZ while it's popular.
