Exploring the colourful legacy of fashion designer Kenzo Takada

The unseen archives.

Franco-Japanese fashion designer was renowned for his futurist vision; known for his bold colours and free flowing silhouettes that shook up couture codes in the 70s and 80s. A new book recounts more than four decades of creation; with period documents including unpublished photographs, personal letters, fashion show images and more than 350 fashion sketches and drawings from Kenzo Takada’s private collection.

Throughout the illustrated pages of the book, Kazuko Masui and Chihiro Masui, long- time close friends of Mr. Kenzo unveil the career of the famous fashion designer, highlighting the evolution of a cult label and the extravagance of his fashion shows.

In a photographic report never published to date, devoted to the creation of a wedding dress, the book also reveals more intimate moments. Presenting the man as elegant, courteous and festive, but not mundane, in the workshop facing a canvas, a fabric, a ribbon, a sketchbook, a gesture and a mannequin to put clothes on and much more.

‘Kenzo Takada’ by Kazuko and Chihiro Masui,  – £55 – ACC Art Books via accartbooks.com.

© Archives KENZO
© Richard Haughton
© Richard Haughton
© Richard Haughton
© Richard Haughton
Photography
From ‘Kenzo Takada’ by Kazuko and Chihiro Masui, published by ACC Art Books. Used by permission.
Text
Emma Firth