Takada Kenzo

Born in Hameiji, Japan in 1939, Kenzo quit Kobe University to study in Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College. Belonging to a fairly big family with seven children, his parents disapproved of him going to a fashion college. Kenzo supported himself by working as a house painter while taking art classes in the evening.

In 1964, moving to Paris, Kenzo started out at the bottom. His perseverance however, enabled him to become a freelance designer and by 1970 he opened his shop called Jungle Jap which he later renamed to simply Kenzo.

Kenzo is known for his trendsetting designs, using special fabrics. In the late 80’s he shifted from designing clothes into other areas like household items, perfumes and furniture coverings.

Today, his perfume line, Kenzo Parfum D'Ete and Kenzo Flower, are two of the top selling fragrances worldwide.