Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada dies from Covid-19

Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, better known as Kenzo, died on Sunday due to coronavirus complications.

Kenzo who created his label in Paris in the 1970s, the brand that still carries his said name.

Kenzo Takada is the iconic Franco-Japanese fashion designer.

81-year-old is famous for his jungle-infused designs and free-spirited aesthetic that channeled global travel, has died.

The fashion house shared this grieving news on Instagram:

“It is with immense sadness that KENZO has learned of the passing of our founder, Kenzo Takada. For half a century, Mr. Takada has been an emblematic personality in the fashion industry – always infusing creativity and color into the world. Today, his optimism, zest for life and generosity continue to be pillars of our Maison. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.”

They further added:

“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.”

Fashion industry lost a gem, Kenzo

He was known for his colorful motifs and original silhouettes which were made by mixing his inspirations from his Japanese culture, such as the kimono, with other cuts.

Takada also branched into perfumes and skincare lines, helping his business boom.

He had retired from his label several decades ago, however, after selling it to LVMH.PA, the world’s biggest luxury group, in the early 1990s.

Kenzo has since had several other creative directors, while Takada maintained close links to the world of fashion but explored other areas of design, including furniture.

Takada ahead of his time?

At first he sold sketches to fashion houses but later decided to strike it out on his own, with a small store called Jungle Jap.

In his last interview Takada told:

“I decorated the shop myself with little money,”

He continued by saying:

“One of the first paintings I saw in Paris and fell in love with was a jungle painting… and that was the inspiration for the shop.”

His clothing line and designs had great taste of his Japanese background and culture. He used to say that he don’t want to do what every French designer does.

Circe Henestrosa, head of the school of fashion at Singapore’s Lasalle College of the Arts, once said:

“I think he was ahead of his time and was one of the first designers to experiment with the idea of genderless fashion. He would never conform to the stereotypical idea of masculine and feminine fashion,”

Social Media grieved on Takada’s death

At a time when everything can seem very dark, it’s worth remembering the legacy of Kenzo Takada, the great designer who died today of Covid, and who believed in joy: “Fashion is not for the few — it is for all the people. It should not be too serious.” https://t.co/8FHk8RfnkO

— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) October 4, 2020

Even Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo couldn’t resist and turned to Twitter, and said;

“Paris is mourning one of its sons today,”