Kenzo Takada, Japanese Fashion Designer, Dies of COVID-19

Kenzo Takada, a Japanese fashion designer, renowned for creating “Kenzo” an international luxury fashion house has died from COVID-19 complications in Paris, France. He was 81.

According to CNN, a spokesman for Takada said in a statement that the fashion mogul died on Sunday at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.

“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 4th, 2020 due to Covid-19 related complications at the age of 81 at the American Hospital, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France,” the statement read.

His death was also confirmed in a tribute on the brand’s official Instagram page. It read; “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.”

Although Takada had retired from his fashion house in the early 90s to pursue a career in art; he remained one of the most respected figures in Parisian ready-to-wear.

He sold the Kenzo brand to LVMH, a French luxury goods company, in 1993.

“The hardest year of my life was 1990, when my life partner Xavier died and my business partner had a stroke,” he told SCMP. “That’s why I sold the company to LVMH [in 1993]. I felt I couldn’t do it on my own.”

In January this year, he launched a new lifestyle brand named K3.