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Japanese designer Kenzo Takanda has succumbed to a coronavirus, a spokesperson said.
The first Japanese designer to prevail in Paris, where he made a career and the famous Kenzo brand, died in the American hospital Neuilly-sur-Seine from the effects of Covid-19 at the age of 81, the announcement states.
The 70s boutique that made him famous
He worked for a time in Japan before moving to the fashion Mecca, Paris, in 1965, where he began working as a freelance designer. In 1970 he opened his own boutique, where, with Kenzo’s advice, he could update his style with pieces close to haute couture. The Jungle Jap, as the store was called, quickly became the favorite and pioneering models of the time.
Her first collection for the boutique was created exclusively from cotton fabrics, as she could not afford to buy more expensive materials. However, Kenzo’s creative side caught the attention of ELLE magazine, which featured one of his creations on the cover at the time.
The theatrical side of Kenzo’s shows
Kenzo loved theatricality in his collections and that is why in 1978 he presented his new collections inside a circus tent, accompanied by cavalry acrobats in transparent costumes. In those shows in ’78 and ’79, he appeared on stage on an elephant.
His designs were always distinguished by asymmetrical shapes, while he avoided (the obvious) seams and zippers, preferring looser designs. Kenzo’s creations also stood out for the wide sleeves that added volume to the clothes, while the colors and designs were always a surprise for this house.
When the founder retired from the Kenzo house
Until the early 90s, a men’s line was launched, while entering the beauty industry, launching a perfume for women and men. The KENZO brand was acquired in 1993 by the global luxury goods giant, LVMH.
In 1999, Kenzo himself retired from the house, leaving his assistants to take over the reins of the house. Six years later, in 2005, Kenzo returned to fashion, this time as a decorator, creating Gokan Kobo, a home furnishings firm.
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