On October 2020, 10, Kenzo Takada passed away in the suburbs of Paris, France. We are shocked and saddened by the sudden news of his death, and we humbly pray for the repose of his soul. Here, I would like to repost an article published in March of this year and look back on his words from his days. (Premium Japan Editorial Department)

Kenzo Takada is a world-famous designer who achieved success in Paris. In 1964, at the age of 25, he took a boat trip from Yokohama Port to France, and since then he has lived and worked in Paris. In 1970, he opened a small boutique in the Galeries Vivienne in the 1999nd arrondissement of Paris, and presented a fashion show that became the avant-garde of the Paris Collection. Since then, the ``KENZO'' brand has established a steady position at the Paris Fashion Week, but in XNUMX, he retired as the designer of ``KENZO,'' which had been acquired by LVMH.

After that, he started working under the name "Kenzo Takada". The seasonal PB brand ``Set Premiere'', created in collaboration with a Japanese mass retailer, is supported by Kenzo's existing fans, and in 2017, Kenzo published his autobiography ``Dream Memoirs,'' which looks back on his life. This is an autobiography that frankly describes her success in Paris, her encounter and breakup with the beloved man who would become her life partner, and the LVMH acquisition. In 2019, he designed the costumes for the opera Madama Butterfly by director Amon Miyamoto. Kenzo Takada, who has continued to communicate as a fashion designer, announced his home and lifestyle brand "K-2020" in January 1. He visited his atelier and showroom in Saint-Germain, Paris.

Kenzo's atelier is located two floors below his home, and is a corner room that is about the same size as his home. From his window, he can see Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, making it the best location in Saint-Germain. Fresh flowers are displayed here and there in the atelier, and antiques and objects collected from travels around the world are arranged like a gallery.

``Planning for the home and lifestyle brand ``Ksan'' progressed rapidly.The Italian textile company that is the factory of the interior brand ``ROCHE BOBOIS'', where I worked about three years ago, It was last fall that I suddenly received a call from "VESTOR" with a proposal to launch a brand that would be presented at Maison & Objet in January 2020.Then we started creating a concept and producing a prototype. started". Maison & Objet is an interior exhibition held twice a year in Paris. Along with Milano Salone, it is an event where interior buyers from all over the world gather.

The collection themes announced by "Ksan" this time consist of three themes: "Shogun", "Maiko", and "Sakura". Each theme has a clear development of colors: "Shogun" is black and gold, "Maiko" is red and orange, and "Sakura" is a world of pastel pink and beige. This collection is typical of Kenzo, where each theme has its own flair and you can feel his stance on enjoying life. My favorite is the reversible table center. This fabric item can be used as an accent not only for tables, but also for chairs, bookshelves, etc.

``What I valued most was the fusion of ``Japanese identity'' and ``the feeling of life in Paris.'' I've used a lot of colorful colors in fashion shows, but actually, my favorite color is The color is black. ``Shogun'' was created with a basic color and a cool image.For those who like a more glamorous and elegant image, ``Maiko'' was created with a red base. The third is ``Sakura'', a pastel color inspired by nature.VESTOR, which specializes in textiles with nuanced colors that are typical of Italy, has created a new attractive fabric inspired by the gradation obi of Nishijin-ori. He made it for me."

The Saint-Germain showroom is divided into three rooms with different themes. In addition to fabric items such as linens, cushions, and tablecloths, there are also beds and chairs. The most eye-catching feature is the folding screen woven with kimono patterns. ``Professionals in the field of interior design have come together to plan and produce the ``K-san'' project, but there are no folding screen craftsmen in Europe.So we asked them to find one in Tokyo and make three pieces for this collection. I was once again fascinated by the skills of Japanese craftsmen."

Originally, he had admired Japanese artisans. His home and studio are decorated with many works by his Japanese artist and craftsman friends. For example, the platinum foil folding screen by Akira Kugimachi, a Japanese painter living in Paris. The stand was created by architect Tsuyoshi Tane. Other crafts such as Bizen ware and Imari are decorated in harmony with the crystal chandeliers.

“By making the folding screens, I was able to work with Japanese craftsmen who I had not been able to work with in the past, which was a lot of fun.I want to use K-san to spread the word about Japanese craftsmanship, which is still unknown. I am looking forward to returning home to Japan, where I have never had such discoveries and encounters." What Kenzo is most interested in now is the tea room. "It's still an unknown world, but I'd be happy if I could express my own version of a tea room with a home collection someday. Unlike fashion, interior design doesn't have to follow every season's trends. I want to take my time and create something good."

He says he travels to Japan for work five or six times a year. I asked her if she had any plans to set up a second home in Tokyo. ``A home is something that requires maintenance as people come and go all the time.At one point, I thought about living in Tokyo, but I still prefer Paris as my home.When I returned to Paris from Tokyo, I went to the Eiffel Tower. I feel relieved when I lie down on the bed in my bedroom and watch NHK TV programs.Hotels are a comfortable way to live in Tokyo.''

When I first came to Paris, I went on a one-month cruise halfway around the world, traveling from Hong Kong, Saigon, and Bombay to the Middle East and Africa. The collection inspired by the ethnic costumes he saw there established Kenzo Takada's legendary folklore style. In the future, when he starts ``K-san,'' he may create collections that travel the world with interiors, such as ``Lotus'' and ``Carmen.''

(Titles omitted)

KENZO TAKADA
Designer
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1939. He graduated from Bunka Fashion College's design department and moved to France in 1965. In 1970, he opened a boutique called ``Jung His Le Jap'' at Galerie Vivienne in Paris and presented his first collection. His collection of new ideas that made full use of his Japanese sensibilities in contrast to the traditional couture of Paris gained acclaim and earned him worldwide fame. He retired from the KENZO brand after the 1999 Paris Collection. Designed the official clothing for the Japanese team at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Since then, he has continued to work as a designer and create paintings, and is currently developing a collaborative business with other industries. One of his life's works is to pass on the world's traditional cultures. In 2017, his autobiography “Dream Memoir” was published. ``Madame Butterfly,'' directed by Amon Miyamoto and sponsored by Tokyo Nikikai, who designed the costumes in 2019, is the first co-produced performance by four countries, including Japan. Performances are scheduled for 4 at the Saxon State Opera (Driesden), the Royal Danish Opera, and the San Francisco Opera.