Designer Kenzo Takada dies of Covid-19, aged 81

FRANCE (Oct 5): Paris-based Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, the founder of the luxury fashion house Kenzo, died in Paris on Sunday due to Covid-19, reported CNN.

"It is with immense sadness that the brand K-3 announces the loss of its celebrated artistic director, Kenzo Takada. The world-renowned designer passed away on October 4, 2020 due to Covid-19 related complications at the age of 81 at the American Hospital, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France," CNN cited the statement from Takada’s luxury K3 brand.

Takada was born on February 27, 1939 in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. His love for fashion developed at an early age, particularly through reading his sisters’ magazines. 

He came to France in 1965 by boat, landing in Marseille before making his way to Paris. 

In Paris, he took over a boutique in 1970 and created his first collection for women. Inspired by travels all over the world, his signature bold colors, floral and jungle prints have rocked the fashion scene in Paris.

Takada retired in 1999, after selling his fashion brand to luxury conglomerate LVMH in 1993, and dedicated time to one-off projects, including a design collection in early this year.

Many mourned for his sudden death. "Kenzo Takada was incredibly creative; with a stroke of genius, he imagined a new artistic and colourful story combining East and West -- his native Japan and his life in Paris," Jonathan Bouchet Manheim, CEO of Takada's K-3 brand, launched in January of this year, said in a statement to CNN.

RIP to fashion designer Kenzo Takada who has died today at the age of 81. His explosive designs, prints, and colors brought so much joy, positive energy, and influence to the industry upon him penetrating Paris in the 80’s and enforcing his own vision during that era. pic.twitter.com/bHXVDiMtPY

— mar (@vogueheroine) October 4, 2020

Kenzo Takada, probably the first and biggest Japanese name in international fashion, has passed away due to Covid. RIP. He was 81 https://t.co/uTCkPAVC2k

— Ilaria Maria Sala (@IlariaMariaSala) October 4, 2020

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

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