Kenzo Takada, a trailblazing Japanese designer whose influence left an indelible mark on the French fashion industry, has sadly passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from Covid-19 in Paris. His final moments came at the American Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine on a Sunday that coincided with Paris Fashion Week, just a mere five days after the latest runway show of the iconic fashion house he founded.
Upon his arrival in Paris in 1965, Kenzo embarked on a transformative journey from Tokyo to Marseille before ultimately settling in the French capital. It was there that he rapidly ascended to fame with his revolutionary line, Jungle Jap, eventually giving birth to his namesake brand that included a diverse range of clothing, accessories, and fragrances. In 1993, he made the strategic decision to sell his brand to the prestigious LVMH conglomerate and later retired from the fashion world six years thereafter. Renowned for his iconic graphic and floral prints, Kenzo became a timeless archetype known for his perpetual youthful spirit, regularly appearing at his eponymous brand’s shows and perpetuating his creative energy through the launch of his own design line.
Born on February 27, 1939, near Osaka in Himeji, Kenzo Takada showcased an innate talent for drawing and sewing from an early age, nurtured by his familial surroundings, particularly his sisters. Having introduced his signature collection in 1970, he inaugurated a boutique in the Galerie Vivienne before relocating to a more capacious space at Place des Victoires, which continues to serve as the flagship store of the brand. In 1983, he expanded his repertoire by adding a menswear line to his portfolio and released his debut fragrance, Kenzo Kenzo, in 1988.
Recognized as a designer with an extensive catalog containing “nearly eight thousand designs,” Kenzo Takada devoted himself to celebrating the intersection of fashion and the art of living throughout his illustrious career. He was revered as a beloved presence within the Parisian fashion community, adored for his vivacious personality, benevolence, and his endearing mix of accented yet eloquent French. His departure has undoubtedly created a void within the industry, leaving behind countless individuals who will fondly preserve his memory and profoundly miss his presence.
For more information on Kenzo Takada’s legacy and contributions to the fashion world, visit Vogue and Business of Fashion.
