Fashion Designer Kenzo Takada Dies of COVID-19

Fashion designer Kenzo Takada, aged 81, died at the American Hospital in Paris after a coronavirus infection. The death of the founder of the Kenzo clothing and perfumery brand was announced by the representatives of the new K-3 brand, launched by Takada in January of this year.

"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," the brand said in a statement to CNN.

Originally from Japan, Kenzo Takada arrived in France in the 1960s and lived there for the rest of his life. His career as a fashion designer took off in the early 1970s. At first, he sold sketches and worked as a stylist at the Pisanti textile factory. By 1970, he had opened his first boutique at the Galerie Vivienne.

Takada launched his brand under the controversial name Jungle Jap. “I wanted to blend the two things I loved — the jungle and Japan,” he told the Financial Times. However, the name sparked the ire of the Japanese American Citizens League, which sued him to halt the use of the pejorative. The case was dismissed, but the brand would ship to the United States as Kenzo, and his pseudonym was spelled J.A.P in advertisements. The New York Times reported in 1972 that Takada originally had no idea what the name meant.

Nevertheless, the brand was in high demand after one of their outfits appeared on the cover of Elle magazine in 1970. Before long, Takada opened a flagship store in Place de la Victoire in Paris. He hosted extravagant fashion shows, including one with a circus theme and another staged at Studio 54. In the 80s, men's, children's and a more affordable line were added. Notably, in the late 90s, Kenzo’s "L'Eau" perfume became a popular scent for young women. Shortly after in 1999, the designer retired to devote himself to the fine arts.

Following the passing of Takada, Jonathan Bouchet Manheim, CEO of K-3, said, "I was lucky enough to work with him for many years, always delighted, full of curiosity and open to anything new. He seemed calm and modest at the first glance, but he was full of humor. He was sincere and always knew how to take care of the people he loved. He was thirsty for life. Kenzo Takada was the quintessence of life."