KENZO

Originally opened in 1969, Paris, as “Jungle Jap”, KENZO debuted in Paris collection in 1970. Kenzo Takada, founder and designer, was born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1939. Knowing that the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo has begun accepting male students, he dropped out of college and went to Bunka Fashion College. He went to France in 1965 after graduation. After showing at Paris collection, his dress using kimono fabric was worn on the cover of “ELLE”, thus allowing him to join the circle of top designers at the time. He quickly became one of the designers who represents the fashion industry in Paris during the 70s, known for his brilliant flower print patterns and designs influenced by ethnic costumes from around the world. In 1993, the brand joined LVMH, and in 1999 Takada left his position as head designer. After variety of designers, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim took after the position to hype up the brand. From July 2019 onwards, Felipe Oliveira Baptista designs for the brand.