Junichi Abe, Creative Director of Kolor, Announces Resignation

Kolor

On January 25, Junichi Abe, founder and creative director of the Japanese fashion brand Kolor, announced his resignation following the Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Since establishing the brand in 2004, Abe has steered Kolor’s direction for 21 years.

The announcement was made dramatically during the Fall/Winter 2025 collection show, held at Espace Niemeyer in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. Guests were handed handwritten notes enclosed in silver envelopes, with transparent tracing paper that read: “This will be a special moment for me. Because it will be my last show as Kolor’s head designer.”

Abe studied at Bunka Fashion College before gaining experience as a patternmaker at COMME des GARÇONS and JUNYA WATANABE, and later founding Kolor in 2004. The brand debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2012 and began collaborating with Adidas in 2015. Abe’s designs, which seamlessly combine elements of sportswear with innovative textures and experimental layering, have been widely acclaimed.

At the end of the show, Abe slowly walked the runway and bowed deeply, bringing the curtain down on his journey with Kolor. His walk symbolized the culmination of 21 years spent shaping the brand’s unique identity.

The note concluded with the following message: “Thank you for all these years. I hope you will continue to support Kolor. Enjoy the show.”

After stepping down, Abe will remain involved with the brand as an advisor and a successor is expected to be announced “very soon.” Kolor will continue into its next chapter, carrying forward the spirit and vision shaped by Abe.

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