Takada Kenzo died on October 4, 2020, from COVID-19, a spokesperson just confirmed. The 81-year old fashion designer took his last breath in a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris.
Cover photo: © Pexels
Takada Kenzo
It was just confirmed that Takada Kenzo died at an age of 81, after a short illness from COVID-19. Kenzo was the first Japanese fashion designer to gain prominence in the Parisian fashion scene. Born in Himeiji, Japan, in 1940, he has always had an interest in fashion. He acquainted with fashion trough his older sister’s magazines. At an age of 18, he started to study literature but soon dropped out. His love for fashion was so strong that he got admitted as the first male student at Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College – against his parents’ will.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7bBNmKDUg/
In 1960, Kenzo started his career as a girls clothing designer for Sanai. Four years later, the Parisian fashion scene lured; and so he moved to the city of love. Once there, he was inspired by the innovative designs at Courreges – it’s safe to say that those influenced his signature designs.
Development of the brand
In 1970, Kenzo opened his first Parisian store under the name Jungle Jap. When the shop later moved to 28 Passage Choiseul, he started to gain popularity. In 1971 Kenzo was featured in Vogue, emphasizing the unique shapes and details of his designs. From then on, he gain popularity and fame very quickly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/-gAhfCq7KC/
In 1993, the label was bought by LVMH. Six years later, the founder retired. Since his retirement Antonio Marras, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim and Felipe Oliveira Baptista have been Kenzo’s creative directors. Takada Kenzo just announced the launch of a new lifestyle brand, named K3. The brand made its first appearance at trade fair Maison et Objet. It’s uncertain who will lead the brand after his death.
Also read: Discover our favorite Nina Ricci Spring/Summer 2021 looks
