Kenzo Takada, founder of Kenzo fashion label, dies at 81 from COVID-19

Kenzo Takada, the renowned Japanese fashion designer and founder of the Kenzo brand, passed away at 81 due to COVID-19. He was born in 1939 and relocated to Paris during the 1960s, where he began selling sketches to high-end fashion houses. His first store, Jungle Jap, opened in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, showcasing a debut collection crafted from $200 worth of discounted materials. To prevent any offense, the brand later adopted the Kenzo name. Celebrated for his use of vibrant colors and patterns inspired by Asian textiles, Takada saw LVMH acquire his label in 1993, stepping down as creative director in 1999. Earlier this year, he introduced K三, a homeware line. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her condolences, highlighting his influence on the fashion industry.