Designer Kenzo Takada, founder of Kenzo, dies of Covid-19

The fashion world is mourning the loss of Kenzo Takada, the Japanese fashion designer responsible for creating the iconic brand, Kenzo. Takada died following complications caused by COVID-19. He was 81.

KENZO TAKADA with his fall/winter 1998-99 collection presentation in Paris. PHOTO: Joel Saget/Agence France-Presse/GETTY IMAGES

“It is with great sadness that I have learned the passing away of Mr. Kenzo Takada,” wrote Felipe Oliveira Baptista, the art director of Kenzo, on Twitter. “His amazing energy, kindness, and talent were contagious. His kindred spirit will live forever. Rest in peace Master.” 

Takada, known by most simply as Kenzo, was one of the first designers to bring Japanese fashion to Paris , and then the world, thus paving the way for others like Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, and more.

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AN ODE TO OUR FOUNDER 🙏🏻🖤 It is with immense sadness that KENZO has learned of the passing of our founder, Kenzo Takada. For half a century, Mr. Takada has been an emblematic personality in the fashion industry - always infusing creativity and color into the world. Today, his optimism, zest for life and generosity continue to be pillars of our Maison. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. “It is with great sadness that I have learned the passing away of Mr Kenzo Takada. His amazing energy, kindness, talent and smile were contagious. His kindred spirit will live forever. Rest in peace Master.” -@felipeoliveirabaptista

A post shared by KENZO (@kenzo) on Oct 4, 2020 at 9:27am PDT

Takada is survived by his family in Japan.