Kenzō Takada Biography

Vita

• 1957

  Studies briefly at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies until his father's death.

• 1958

  Against his family's wishes, Takada enrols as the first male student at Tokyo's Bunka Fashion College.

• 1961

  Wins the Soen Award during his studies.
  
  He works at the Sanai department store, gaining experience by designing up to 40 outfits a month for girls.

• 1964

  In preparation for the Summer Olympics, the government demolishes Takada's apartment. He uses the financial compensation to move to Paris.

• 1965

  Takada arrives in Paris on 1 January after a month-long journey by boat, with stops in various cities. Initially he finds the city bleak, but is soon inspired by its culture and fashion scene.
  
  The designer Louis Feraud takes 5 of his designs and he works for the textile manufacturer Pisanti.

• 1970

  Takada opens his first boutique, “Jungle Jap,” in the Vivienne gallery.
  
  He designes the interior himself, inspired by a painting of a jungle by Henri Rousseau.
  
  With only $200 to spend on fabrics, he creates an eclectic collection that commands attention. Shortly afterwards, his designs are featured on the cover of Elle magazine.

• 1971

  Vogue America features his designs and his collection is shown in New York City and Tokyo.

• 1973

  Takada introduces the “Big Look,” characterised by voluminous silhouettes that redefine women's fashion in the mid-1970s. This trend becomes a major influence on high fashion.

• 1976

  He opens his flagship Kenzo store on the Place des Victoires, consolidating his presence on the Paris fashion scene. His shows become known for their theatricality; he famously incorporates circus elements into his presentations.

• 1980

  Takada experiments with fragrances and launches King Kong, a playful fragrance created “just for fun.”

• 1981

  Release of the film Yume, yume no ato, which he directed.

• 1983

  He launches his first menswear collection.

• 1984

  Takada partners with The Limited Stores to create a more affordable clothing line called Album by Kenzo. The move expands his market reach and introduces his designs to a wider audience.
  
  He is named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

• 1986

  Launch of Kenzo Jungle, a children's line and jeans for men and women.

• 1988

  Launches Kenzo, his first women's fragrance.

• 1990

  His partner of many years, Xavier de Castella, dies at the age of 38. Kenzo and Xavier met at a birthday party for Paloma Picasso, daughter of Pablo Picasso, in the 80s.

• 1991

  Launches his first fragrance, Kenzo pour homme, for men.

• 1993

  The Kenzo brand is acquired by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), ensuring its legacy and continued growth in the luxury market.

• 1999

  Takada announces his retirement from fashion to concentrate on art and design. He leaves the creative direction of Kenzo to Roy Krejberg and Gilles Rosier.
  
  He is awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honour by the Emperor of Japan.
  
  In New York City, Takada receives the Time For Peace Award in the fashion category for his humanitarian efforts.

• 2000

  Launches the fragrance “FLOWER BY KENZO,” which is listed as one of the best classic French perfumes of all time by the Vogue website in 2019.

• 2001

  Launch of his skincare line, KenzoKI.

• 2004

  Designs the official uniform for the Japanese delegation to the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Greece.

• 2005

  Launches Gokan Kobo, a brand of tableware, home objects and furniture.

• 2007

  The Gokan Kobo brand is not successful and is discontinued.

• 2010

  His paintings are shown in a solo exhibition entitled “Un Certain Style de Vie” in Paris, highlighting his artistic talents beyond fashion design.

• 2013

  Kenzo becomes the first honorary president of the Asian Couture Federation.

• 2016

  Takada is made a Knight of the Legion of Honour in France in recognition of his contributions to art and fashion.

• 2017

  He receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 55th Fashion Editors' Club of Japan Awards, celebrating his impact on Japanese and global fashion.

• 2018

  Publishes a book of his sketches: Kenzo Takada | (2019) [Kazuko Masui, Chihiro Masui].
  
  

• 2019

  Takada designs costumes for a production of Madame Butterfly by the Tokyo Nikikai Opera Foundation, marking a return to fashion after years of focusing on other artistic pursuits.

• 2020

  Kenzō Takada dies at the age of 81 from complications of COVID-19 while hospitalised in Paris.