Kenzo Takada

Kenzo Takada, a young Japanese designer, opened his first boutique, Jungle Jap, in Paris in 1970. He revolutionized the fashion world with his colorful, ethnic, and nomadic-influenced collections, made with luxurious and vibrantly patterned textiles. This book traces his creative output over forty years, including photographs from his runway shows, personal photographs, and a behind-the-scene look at the creation of a wedding dress. It is superbly illustrated with pencilled and hand-colored sketches, swatched drawings, and previously unpublished archival photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2019
Publisher: ACC Art Books

In the vibrant city of Paris, a young Japanese designer named Kenzo Takada emerged onto the fashion scene in 1970, opening the doors to his first boutique, Jungle Jap. With a bold and innovative approach, he revolutionized the fashion world, blending luxurious textiles with vibrant patterns and ethnic influences to create collections that pushed the boundaries of haute couture. Kenzo's unique vision was shaped by his admiration for Parisian fashion and Japanese kimonos, resulting in a bold and playful mix of colors, prints, and materials. His vibrant palette and intricate pattern combinations brought joy and whimsy to the fashion landscape, standing in stark contrast to the traditional tailoring of Parisian couturiers.

Throughout his career, Kenzo developed a signature style that was characterized by his inspired blend of the opulent and the exotic. His designs showcased a fusion of cultures, reflecting his nomadic upbringing and his love for travel. With over 300 sketches from his private collection, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the more than forty years of Kenzo's creative output. It includes photographs from his high-energy runway shows, as well as personal photographs, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of his spectacular wedding dress.

The authors of this book have meticulously curated a look-book of visual exuberance, exploring Kenzo's career and tracing the evolution of his cult label. Superbly illustrated throughout with pencilled and hand-colored sketches, swatched drawings, and previously unpublished archival photographs, the book offers a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts. It provides a deep insight into Kenzo's creative process, showcasing his passion, vision, and presence in the fashion world.

In conclusion, Kenzo Takada's impact on fashion cannot be overstated. With his bold and innovative approach, he revolutionized the industry, blending luxury and culture to create collections that continue to inspire and influence fashion designers worldwide. Through the pages of this book, we are invited to witness the evolution of his iconic style and the profound impact he has had on the fashion world.

Weight: 2030g
Dimension: 286 x 211 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788840019