Celebrated the world over as one of Japan’s most popular and influential fashion designer, Kenzo Takada is the founder of KENZO, a global fashion brand of perfumes, skincare products and designer apparel.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Takada first earned distinction in fashion when he won the 8th So-en Award fashion award in 1960, before graduating from the design course at Bunka Fashion College. Subsequent to departing to France, he opened his own boutique called Jungle Jap in 1970 at the Gallery Vivienne in Paris, where he famously presented his first collection.
Known for his flamboyant sense of style and showmanship, Takada garnered early attention in 1978 and 1979 by presenting his bold collections in a circus tent, finishing with horsewomen performers wearing transparent uniforms and he himself riding an elephant.
In 1984, he was made a Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres). In February 1999, he won Fashion Award '98 at the Time for Peace Awards in New York, and retired from his own brand KENZO in order to present his final show at the Paris Fashion Week. In that same year, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon. Takada also designed uniforms for Team Japan at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and has been conferred Gold Awards from the City of Paris. In 2005, Takada expanded his creative vision in tableware, home accessories and furniture by launching GOKAN KOBO, which became TAKADA in 2006. Currently, he exhibits his paintings internationally and participates in creative collaborations across various fields. In addition, he has dedicated himself to preserving traditional cultures.
