Kenzo is a luxury fashion brand founded in France in 1970 that stood out thanks to its creative way of combining Japanese influences with European high-end craftsmanship. Known for its vibrant colors and prints for playful shows, it quickly differentiated itself from serious Parisian fashion as an optimistic and borderless house.

In addition to the fashion industry, it also operates in the production of accessories, home goods, and fragrances.

Let's delve into the world of Kenzo together and learn more about the popular brand.

#1 Kenzo's creator was Japanese

The name Kenzo comes from its creator, Kenzo Takada, who was born on February 27, 1939, in Japan.

Unfortunately, Kenzo passed away on October 4, 2020, due to complications from Covid-19.

#2 Kenzo Takada was the first man in Japan to study fashion

Kenzo was fascinated by his sisters' sewing lessons. His interest grew over time when he started reading fashion magazines.

Despite his family's wishes, he dropped out of university and in 1958, became a student at the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo.

He even emerged as a huge talent, winning the Soen Award in 1961.

#3 Kenzo always dreamed of living in New York or Paris

After taking lessons with a French teacher, the idea of settling in Paris came to Kenzo's mind. 

Finally, his dream came true in 1965 when he arrived in Paris, after a continuous month of traveling to Hong Kong, Saigon, Mumbai, and Marseille.

#4 He started with $200 fabrics

Life in Paris wasn't what he expected. Initially, he worked as a stylist for a fabric manufacturer to cover his expenses. 

He struggled to sell his own designs, and those fashion houses that were interested in his sketches paid him very little.

In 1970, he met a woman who offered to rent him a space to work at the Vivienne gallery. So, with little money in his pocket, he bought various mixed fabrics, costing only $200, and used them to create a series of eclectic and daring designs.

His work was quickly rewarded, as in 1970 he appeared on the cover of Elle.

#5 The tiger design created contrasts

Kenzo collaborated with many designers. In 2012, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim presented a sweatshirt with the face of a tiger. 

Although Kenzo's design team did not agree with it, it was presented in the fall collection.

Later, it became one of the most iconic designs of the company.

#6 Celebrities love Kenzo

A garment becomes popular when you see celebrities wearing it. Many celebrities such as Jay Z, Kevin Hart, Beyoncé, Zooey Deschanel, Swizz Beatz, Selena Gomez, Spike Jonze, Joan Smalls, Lorde, NorthernSound, and Rihanna love the brand.

In fact, Britney Spears was revealed as the face of Kenzo's "La Collection Memento No. 2" campaign in March 2018.

#7 Collaboration with H&M

In early 2016, Kenzo announced a collaboration with H&M. The Kenzo x H&M collection included bold and innovative clothing, such as green jumpsuits, tiger logo hats, and Chelsea boots with green soles.

Sellers on eBay were buying the stock at retail price and selling it for up to seven times the recommended retail price!

#8 Designed an aroma inspired by pebbles

Kenzo was not only known for designing clothes, but also for creating unique accessories.

In 1986, they wanted to create a new fragrance and in collaboration with Serge Manseau, they created the Kenzo Eau de Toilette, which was famous for its original packaging with pebbles and a flower.

Central photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight