The Iconic Japanese Founder of Kenzo, Passed at the Age of 81 From COVID-19
Kenzo Takada, the irrepressibly creative designer and founder of Kenzo whose fusion of Japanese and Parisian design altered and expanded the world of fashion forever, has passed away in Paris at the age of 81.
One of seven children, Takada was born in Himeji, Japan in 1939. His love of fashion developed early, fostered by his reading of his sister’s fashion magazines. He briefly attended Kobe City University of Foreign Studie, but soon dropped out against his family’s wishes and enrolled in Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College, which had just begun to accept male students. His talent quickly became apparent as he won a fashion design competition, and honed his skills designing girls’ outfits for a department store.
Even before he arrived there, much of Takada’s career as a designer was characterized by his nuanced relationship in Paris and its design scene. These were a source of inspiration while he was still working in Tokyo, particularly the work of Yves Saint Laurent. His interest was further nurtured by one of his professors. His opportunity came when the government demolished his apartment in preparation for the 1964 Olympics, for which he was financially compensated. He used this money to take a month-long boat trip to Paris, where he finally arrived on New Year’s Day 1965.
Takada’s success in Paris was not at all immediate. He had intended to return to Japan after a few months, but decided not to leave until he had created something, ultimately determined to open his own boutique. During this time he sold sketches of his designs to various fashion houses for far less than they were worth, and worked as a stylist for a textile manufacturer.
His break came in 1970 when he was offered a small retail space in the Galerie Vivienne to rent for cheap. His eclectic and bold first collection, as well as the show he and his friends hosted for it in his boutique, was created with an incredibly minimal budget. He used this same whimsical DIY attitude in designing the store, which he painted himself with a jungle motif inspired by the paintings of Henri Rousseau.
His efforts finally began to pay off, and quickly: the same year as his first show, Elle featured one of his designs on its cover. In 1971 he showed his collection in New York City and Tokyo; the next year he was awarded the Fashion Editor Club of Japan’s prize. The next decade saw him dramatically increase the scope of the brand as he continued to experiment and develop his own style. In 1980 he released his first perfume, which he created “just for fun.” In 1983 he launched his first men’s collection.
Takada’s designs have been hugely influential in the development of global fashion. While he was initially inspired by the fashion world of Paris, he also characteristically refused to submit to Parisian trends. He drew inspiration from his Japanese background, using kimono fabrics and other sources, creating a visionary fusion of Japanese style heritage and European construction. The influence of his process is still ubiquitous today, from couture to streetwear.
But even more than his huge influence on design, Kenzo Takada will be missed for his kindness, his creativity, his openness. His lighthearted and free approach to design and presentation made him a cult inspiration to the young and young-hearted everywhere. His philosophy that fashion should be for all people, not just the few, resounds louder today than ever. His passion lives on.
It is with great sadness that I have learned the passing away of Mr Kenzo Takada. His amazing energy, kindness, talent and smile were contagious. His kindred spirit will live forever. Rest in peace Master.
– Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Kenzo’s Creative Director