Beauty Packaging Staff10.05.20
Kenzo Takada, founder of Kenzo, has died of Covid-19 related complications, according to reports, in a hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris. He was 81 years old.
Takada was born in Himeji, Japan, on Feb. 27, 1939. He has often stated in interviews that he was most inspired by Yves Saint Laurent.
The fashion brand's Facebook post reads:
An Ode To Our Founder:
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.
“It is with great sadness that I have learned the passing away of Mr Kenzo Takada. His amazing energy, kindness and talent were contagious. His kindred spirit will live forever.
Rest in peace Master.”
Fashion Week in Paris just ended, and Kenzo showed its Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
Takada launched his first women’s perfume line in 1988 -- Kenzo de Kenzo. The first men’s fragrance followed in 1991 -- Kenzo pour Homme.
LVMH acquired Kenzo in 1993, and Takada retired in 1999 to pursue art.
Kenzo Parfums launched the iconic Kenzo Flower perfume in 2000, in the innovative bottle shown above.
How did the design come about? Takada said, "I like flowers," WWD reports -- and bottle designer Serge Mansau came up with the design, taking cues from Takada.
Kenzo’s creative director, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, posted the Instagram tribute below.
