The first Japanese designer to be successful in Paris, where he developed his entire career and made his name famous, Kenzo Takada passed away this Sunday at the American Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine due to covid-19, the spokesman said in a statement.
Born on February 27, 1939 in Himeji, near Osaka, Kenzo fell in love at a young age with drawings and sewing, taught by his sisters.
The future stylist arrived by ship to the French port of Marseille in 1965 and was fascinated by Paris. Although he was passing through the French capital, he moved permanently to the city he called home until today,
His first collection was launched in 1970 and six years later he created his own brand, only with his first name, for which he became known worldwide.
Kenzo launched the first men’s line in 1983 and the first perfume five years later. In 1993, the company was acquired by the luxury group LVMH.
The stylist retired from the fashion world in 1999 and started to dedicate himself to more punctual projects, such as interior design. With “almost eight thousand drawings”, the Japanese “never stopped celebrating fashion and the art of living”, said his spokesman.
–
