Renowned Japanese designer Kenzo Takada recently embarked on a trip to Colombia, where he introduced his latest collaboration with Avon to the local market. With a career spanning over five decades in the fashion industry and a base in Paris, Takada made a special appearance at the 2019 Colombiamoda event. During the event, he participated in a panel discussion focusing on brand extensions and the expansion into new product categories.
The collection unveiled by Takada for Avon features a vibrant color palette and two signature fragrances with his initials, KT. Avon, as the official beauty sponsor of Colombiamoda for the second consecutive year, showcased the Mark range of lipsticks in unique shades and an eyeshadow palette with metallic and pearly tones on the event’s opening day.
In his interactions with Fashion Network, Takada expressed his appreciation for the warm and uncomplicated nature of the Colombian people, noting similarities between Colombia and his native Japan. He commended the colorful aesthetics prevalent in Colombian cities and fashion, reminiscing about his experiences in Bogotá and Medellín and acknowledging the promising young talent highlighted during Colombiamoda.
Recalling his humble beginnings in Paris in the 1960s, Takada shared his early fascination with haute couture and craftsmanship, which led him to sell his design sketches to fashion houses. His close friendship with acclaimed designers like Yves Saint Laurent further nurtured his love for fashion, ultimately culminating in the establishment of his iconic brand, Kenzo.
Even after selling his fashion empire to LVMH in 1993 and contemplating retirement, Takada’s creativity remained unwavering. He continued to engage in various collaborations across art exhibitions, perfume collections, and costume design for opera productions. His upcoming costume designs for the production of Madama Butterfly in Tokyo, followed by a European tour, stand as a testament to his enduring creative spirit.
Reflecting on the recent departure of Humberto León and Carol Lim as the creative directors of his eponymous brand, Takada emphasized the strong personal and artistic connection he shares with them. He praised their ability to uphold the brand’s essence and creative DNA, mirroring his own legacy within the fashion industry.
In conclusion, Kenzo Takada’s visit to Colombia served not only to introduce his collaboration with Avon but also offered a glimpse into his remarkable career, ongoing creative pursuits, and deep passion for the world of fashion and design.
Discover more about Kenzo Takada and his iconic brand, Kenzo, by visiting Kenzo’s official website or explore the latest Avon collections at Avon’s official site.
