was founded by a Japanese man
French brand
His first clothing collection, presented as early as 1970, was a resounding success.
Kenzo Takada
brand founder
The beginnings of a brand
The talented fashion designer
in his clothes and accessories combined two, seemingly, completely different styles
— European and Asian.
in his clothes and accessories combined two, seemingly, completely different styles
— European and Asian.
The simplicity of Japanese clothing and French charm in the models aroused great interest in the bohemian public.
Started in 1970 in Paris, with Japanese Kenzo Takada as its creator.
KENZO style
Fame caught up with Kenzo instantly:
a year later the collections were presented in Tokyo and New York.
a year later the collections were presented in Tokyo and New York.
Early in his career, Kenzo Takada confessed that he always dreamed of dressing Western round-eyed women. His Oriental background combined with his affinity for the West has given birth to a unique mix of cultures in each of the brand's models.
The idea of mixing the traditions and views of the East and the West proved to be relevant almost fifty years ago, as well as Kenzo products are still popular all over the world.
Models took to the runway in bold ethnic costumes done in Parisian chic.
Jungle Jap
The authoritative fashion magazine ELLE published one of the models from Kenzo's fashion showon its cover.
First, Kenzo opened a boutique called Jungle Jap in the Vivienne Gallery.
The interior of which was designed by him and made in Japanese and jungle style.
In the '80s
In the 80s, the designer also launched men's and children's clothing lines, and 1991 was marked by the release of the first perfume and Kenzo bedding.
In 1987, it also began producing products for interior decoration. Kenzo is now an international premium brand owned by LVMH, which bought it in 1993.
Kenzo Takada was a big fan of ethnics. In his collections, he repeatedly quoted Japanese kimonos, Indian saris and much more. But a separate place in his heart was occupied by the Russian costume. He returned to it repeatedly during his life. Thus, his fall — winter collection of 1987 included an image of a white fur hat, a puffy skirt and a short fitted jacket, clearly inspired by the traditional Russian
outer garment — the dussegraya.
outer garment — the dussegraya.
In the '90s
Kenzo Takada sold his brandto LVMH Corporationwhile continuing to work as lead designer.
And then Takada officially announced his departure
from Kenzo.
from Kenzo.
Kenzo Takada
brand founder
Kenzo
after Kenzo
after Kenzo
Although Kenzo left the fashion industry and devoted himself entirely to creating fragrances and interior design, he has retained his authority and influence.
Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are the creative directors
and chief designers of the brand.
They cite their main goal as shaking up the “wild” fashion world.
and chief designers of the brand.
They cite their main goal as shaking up the “wild” fashion world.
Since 2011
Humberto Leon and Carol Lim
creative directors (2011-2019)
In 2012
Since the sale, the brand
has continued to evolve
and transformation.
New managers try to adhere to the original philosophy of the brand, bringing new notes to the unique design of “Kenzo”.
has continued to evolve
and transformation.
New managers try to adhere to the original philosophy of the brand, bringing new notes to the unique design of “Kenzo”.
In 2017 - 2019
By 2017, the production of accessories and footwear accounted for nearly 30% of Kenzo's total revenue.
Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have left Kenzo, explaining their departure by saying they want to focus solely on their label Opening Ceremony. Felipe Oliveira Baptista took over as Kenzo's artistic director.
The Kenzo brand initiated a triumphant return of sweatshirts — their version featured prints inspired by Kenzo Takada's work of the 80s, and in 2016 a collaboration with H&M was released. Kenzo himself dreamedof his brand becoming “mass”.
The American designers appointed as creative directors have refreshed the brand, bringing youthfulness, boldness and a bit of fun
(such as the recognizable eye print
or the tiger's head with its mouth open).
(such as the recognizable eye print
or the tiger's head with its mouth open).
In 2021
Dilara Khannanova
Author of the project
and illustrations
and illustrations
A non-profit project.
All materials belong to the owners
All materials belong to the owners
