With profusion of textures and colors with an unusual touch of humor, Kenzo Takada expresses an unknown alchemy between the Orient and Occident. His fashion shows offer a liberal outlook on the world, full of tremendous energy and curiosity. With the passage of time, Kenzo products have become the voice of nature, a journey where borders and boundaries do not exist.
One of seven children, Kenzo Takada was born in the city of Himeji, Japan. He grew up reading fashion magazines borrowed from his sisters. Kenzo at a very early age realized his passion for creating unique and innovative designs. He quit Kobe University, and became one of the first few male students to join Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College. With his career ambitions not being approved by his family, Kenzo worked part-time in Tokyo to support himself while studying design. In 1964, Takada moved to Paris, to begin from the bottom of the fashion ladder as a freelance designer, later opening his first boutique ‘Jungle Jap’ in 1970.
His first collection was inspired heavily by Japanese style. ‘Big Silhouette’ designs are what earned him a name and drew attention from the world over. His designs were seen as a step ahead of the current fashion trends, making him a trendsetter for young fashion catering to both men and women. Back home in Japan, he is regarded as a pioneer of Japanese fashion to the world. 1987 saw the creation of Kenzo’s Perfume line, which began with the introduction of his first fragrance ‘Kenzo de Kenzo’, a floral feminine perfume, inspired by Ikebana (the Japanese art of arranging flowers). This perfume was an instant success, initiating the creation of a skincare line, comprising twenty products divided into four ranges- Energizing, Euphoric, Relaxing and Sensual. Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant, Kenzo Flower, Kenzo Parfum D’Ete, Kenzo Kashaya and Kenzo Ca Sent Beau are a few of Kenzo’s unique women’s perfumes.
Kenzo created and launched a variety of products for men and women, using nature, its components, textures and colors as his inspiration. Recently, Takada ventured into designing furniture coverings and household items. September 1999 witnessed Kenzo Takada handing over the reins of his fashion house to his assistants. Through a demanding recruitment process, Kenzo has striven to get great entrepreneurial talent under his wing. |
