Kenzo Takada

Designer

Kenzo Takada was a Japanese designer and founder of the Kenzo label. In 1958 he decided to study fashion design at Tokyo's Bunka Fashion College, which at the time had only recently started accepting male students. 

After graduating, Takada settled in Paris, and began making connections with the fashion industry and selling illustrations. By 1970, Takada had presented his first collection, opened his first store and featured on the cover of ELLE magazine. He went on to receive the Fashion Editor Club of Japan's prize for 1978 and 1979. 

The Kenzo aesthetic was born from humble beginnings with an eclectic mix of bold printed cloth from flea markets, all used together in floating dresses. Now the label is booming with womenswear, menswear, fragrances and skincare ranges. In 1999 Takada chose to retire, leaving his eponymous house in the care of its designers and owners, French luxury goods company LVMH.

In 2005 after his hiatus, Takada started designing again, but chose to focus on tableware, home objects and furniture for his new brand titled, Gokan Kobo (workshop of the five senses). In January 2020, Takada launched K3, a luxury homeware and lifestyle brand.

Takada died at 81 years old on 4 October 2020 from complications of COVID-19.

Kenzo Takada was a Japanese designer and founder of the Kenzo label. In 1958 he decided to study fashion design at Tokyo's Bunka Fashion College, which at the time had only recently started accepting male students. 

After graduating, Takada settled in Paris, and began making connections with the fashion industry and selling illustrations. By 1970, Takada had presented his first collection, opened his first store and featured on the cover of ELLE magazine. He went on to receive the Fashion Editor Club of Japan's prize for 1978 and 1979. 

The Kenzo aesthetic was born from humble beginnings with an eclectic mix of bold printed cloth from flea markets, all used together in floating dresses. Now the label is booming with womenswear, menswear, fragrances and skincare ranges. In 1999 Takada chose to retire, leaving his eponymous house in the care of its designers and owners, French luxury goods company LVMH.

In 2005 after his hiatus, Takada started designing again, but chose to focus on tableware, home objects and furniture for his new brand titled, Gokan Kobo (workshop of the five senses). In January 2020, Takada launched K3, a luxury homeware and lifestyle brand.

Takada died at 81 years old on 4 October 2020 from complications of COVID-19.

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