Founded in 1970 by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, Kenzo is a French luxury fashion brand. Beginning with womens clothing, Kenzo then branched into menswear and children’s clothing throughout the 1980’s. In 1999, Takada resigned as Creative Director. Today, Kenzo is owned by LVMH. The current Creative Director of the fashion house, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, continues with the core aesthetic of the brand in mind.
Kenzo has a very distinctive look, which can be described as a fusion of street style with modern tailoring. This fashion house offers unrestrained and daring creativity, mixing cultures and styles to create a unique, contemporary aesthetic. Now creating ready-to-wear for men, women and children, plus bags and accessories, a clear and edgy style is produced. Bold graphics and patterns, logo printed sweatshirts and modern accessories come together to provide a sportswear style which is casual yet chic. The iconic tiger motif, designed by then creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim in 2012, proved extremely popular and sold out rapidly, despite initial uncertainties about the design. Since then, this graphic has become synonymous with street style and has been worn by many major celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay Z.
In 2016, Kenzo collaborated with H&M, launching a hugely anticipated collection of clothes, accessories, shoes and outerwear. True to Kenzo, the collection was full of bright colours, animal prints, tiger motifs and oversized cuts.
With stores across the world, including cities such as London, New York and Paris, the brand can also be accessed through their online store. Retailers Flannels, Selfridges, Harrods, Yoox and Farfetch also stock Kenzo designs.