To say that Kenzo Takada is one of the most influential Japanese – nay, global – fashion designers of the 20th century would not be an overstatement. A flagbearer for “stopping at nothing to achieve your dreams”, Kenzo was the first male student to attend Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College. A few years later, upon the urging of his teacher, he took a boat (he could not afford a plane ticket) to Paris, stopping by India and Africa on his way there, and finding inspiration in their rich fabrics and vibrant colours. Once in Paris, he would slowly start to make waves with his distinctive aesthetic that was miles apart from the prim and proper looks espoused by couturiers of that time such as Dior and Chanel.
His loud prints and bold colours were at odds with the prevailing aesthetic of that period, but editors and customers lapped them up. In 1970, he would open his first boutique called Jungle Jap, where he fused Japanese elements, exotic flavours, tribal prints, unusual silhouettes and vibrant colours to create oftentimes outre collections.
While Kenzo is often uttered in the same breath as other pioneering Japanese designers such as Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons, the truth is that he conquered the Parisian market a good decade before them, and paved the way for his contemporaries.
He sold the business to LVMH in 1993 and retired from the limelight in 1999. Today, the Kenzo brand is still alive and doing exceedingly well under its current designers, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, who often invite the eponymous founder of the maison to attend their shows and visit the workshops.
Kenzo himself turned 80 in February and continues designing. This time, he’s expanded his creative universe to the home interiors space and has collaborated with Roche Bobois. He’d previously partnered cosmetics brand Avon on a fragrance, and eyewear company Masunaga on the award-winning Campanule K18 frames.
この記事は Home & Decor Malaysia の March 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Home & Decor Malaysia の March 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
THE NEW KENZO
Kenzo Takada, who retired from fashion more than 20 years ago, is now channelling his creative juices into styling homes and interior design. Despite the change, the 80-year-old innovator, who remains rooted in his design philosophy, discusses his legacy and the recurring Japanese influences on his bodies of work.
TRANSFORMATIVE DESIGN
Despite its odd layout, this homeowner managed to incorporate all his family’s needs and achieve a luxurious look, too.
THE ART OF LEATHER CRAFTSMANSHIP
Expert in the leather business, Franco di Fonzo shares more about Frag’s legacy and the future of the furniture industry.
MODERN LUXURY
Understated and classy interiors set the backdrop for this home with its collection of iconic designer furniture. Finds out more about its design strategies.
FUN AND PLAY
Playful touches within this spacious apartment stimulate the imagination. Take the personal tour.
STYLING A KITCHEN: TRADITIONAL VS MODERN AESTHETICS
Standardised designs or aesthetics are no longer applicable to the modern kitchen. However, creating a stylish one that suits your personality is not an impossible task, especially with the availability of different worktop materials, kitchen systems, and furnishings available in the market today! Transform larger or small and compact kitchens into a stylish one with intimate cosy cottage vibes while giving a contemporary spin to the traditional French look!
KITCHEN HEROES
Food is the window to the soul, and few understand few understand that as well as these amazing women who have thrived and built a reputation for themselves in the industry. They share their journey with us, what drives their passion for food, and reveal the intricate web that ties food to family.
FAMILY TIES
Good design and communication was key to Greyson Tan’s comprehensive handling of this design and project.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winning thriller Parasite masterfully portrays the striking differences between the lives of those who have, and those who have not.
Head Out Of 2019 With An Epic New Year Bash!
Head out of 2019 with an epic New Year bash!