In 1964, Kenzo Takada, a young graduate of Tokyo’s Bunta Fashion College, moved to Paris and, after six months of difficult adaptation, succeeded in establishing himself in the fashion world. In 1970, he presented his first show at the Galerie Vivienne and opened his first women’s boutique, Jungle Jap, in the Passage Choiseul in Paris.
Collection Autumn-Winter 1975 in Stern magazine Photo : Hans Feurer Livre p 108
Her floral prints, fabric mixes, colorful dresses, kimono cuts and innovative vision of fashion were an instant hit. His first men’s collection was launched in 1983.
Show Spring-Summer 2009 Photo : Patrice Stable Livre pages 209
In 1980, the brand took the name Kenzo, the first name of its founder-designer. During this decade, the Japanese designer imposed a style that blended cultures and influences to profoundly influence the international fashion landscape. In 1988, the label successfully launched a fragrance line.
Collection Spring-Summer 1975 in Elle magazine Photo : JEAN BERNARD NAUDIN/ELLE/SCOOP
In 1993, the Kenzo brand was acquired by the LVMH group. In 1999, the founder took his leave and retired in a more artistic vein, devoting himself to painting, among other things. Since 2003, Sardinian designer Antonio Marras has been Artistic Director of KENZO, which has undergone a major stylistic renewal. Antonio Marras’ collections evoke and reinvent the founding spirit of the brand, inspired by the iconic codes of the House, which he has updated in a skilful blend of past and present.
Printemps-Eté 2009 Dessins de collection Antonio Marras/KENZO Archives
To mark its 40th anniversary in 2010, the House of Kenzo is publishing its first monograph with Editions Rizzoli International : a beautiful book paying tribute to the colorful, oriental aesthetic of the brand founded by Kenzo Takada. The Kenzo book, a veritable objet d’art, was conceived as a visual dialogue between Kenzo Takada and Antonio Marras. The comprehensive book plunges us back into the company’s archives and DNA, punctuated by contributions from internationally renowned authors from fields as diverse as art, fashion, literature and entertainment.
KENZO Livre Pop-Up © KENZO, Rizzoli New York, 2010
A genuine invitation to a voyage of discovery and exchange, it brings together Kenzo sketches, pop-ups and flyers, advertising photographs by Peter Lindbergh and contributions by Antonio Marras,Olivier Saillard, Director of the Musée Galliera, fashion historian Catherine Örmen, set designer Bartabas and journalists Patrick Cabasset and Bradley Quinn.
KENZO Livre Couverture du livre version librairie
To pay tribute to the house’s history, four different covers, including a Deluxe version accompanied by a KENZO Patchwork bag, are on sale.
The classic version of the book will be available for 55 euros in November 2010, with a canvas hardcover printed with three different patterns.
The Deluxe version will be on sale only in KENZO boutiques at a price of 140 euros , with a thick ecru canvas cover and a transparent acetate jacket printed with a KENZO motif. This version will be accompanied by a patchwork bag in matching fabrics.
Printemps-Eté 2005 Campagne publicitaire Photo : Paolo Roversi
Never before has the Maison’s motto celebrating diversity and universal culture been so true: “KENZO, the world is beautiful.
KENZO, the world is beautiful
“.
KENZO 304 pages, 24 x 31 cm
300 color illustrations including one pop-up, 3 fold-outs on 6 pages and 3 posters.
Available in French, English and Italian.
Publisher: Rizzoli New York
Photo credits: © KENZO, Rizzoli New York, 2010
Marie-Odile Radom
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
