The Covid-19 pandemic has taken another high-profile victim – this time Kenzo Takada, creator of the esteemed Paris-based fashion house of the same name.
The Japanese designer – who was 81-year-old – died after suffering complications linked the virus, prompting a slew of tributes from figures from the fashion world.
Naomi Campbell posted a message on here Instagram account that read: “So sad to hear of your loss today… Will always remember your smile and humble demeanour… and the positivity you shined on us all. Rest with the Angels.
Fashion critic Suzy Menkes said Takada was an “emblem of international style”. She also said she remembers Takada saying he wanted to make happy clothes: “That meant colour, with freedom for the woman’s body – and an international attitude way before his time.”
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, paid tribute on Twitter: “Designer of immense talent, he had given colour and light their place in fashion. Paris is now mourning one of its sons.”
Known for his expressive use of colour and his jungle-inspired, forward-thinking designs, Takada was a mainstay on the luxury fashion circuit for over half a century. After making his way to Paris in the 1960s, Takada began selling sketches to fashion houses but later decided to go it alone and set up his very own store.
Takada fell in love with a painting that featured a jungle, so he decided to call his first shop Jungle Jap, which is also where some of the iconic elements seen on the Kenzo collections was derived.
Throughout his career, Takada made a massive contribution to the world of fashion, releasing a reported 8,000 pieces during his time as a designer, which included clothing, accessories, and footwear. The Kenzo brand was known for releasing some of the funkiest trainers around, although Takada sold the brand to LVMH in the 90s, so thankfully his loss won’t affect Kenzo’s output moving forward.
If you’re interested in copping some of the most exclusive trainers around, head over to the Laced.co.uk resale market