Introducing — The Colourful World of Kenzo Takada

Ever since moving to Paris and starting his first label, Kenzo Takada was infatuated with vibrant, jungle-inspired themes — so much so, that this was how he decorated his first store. This infatuation continued when he launched his first menswear collection for the eponymous brand.
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Throughout the 80s and 90s, Takada would fill his runways with wild, colourful patterns, often featuring animal prints — especially of his beloved tiger, which became synonymous with the brand.
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His retirement at the turn of the century brought a sleeker, more modernised version of Kenzo. The takeover by LVMH sought to appeal to a wider customer base, and as a result, rid the brand of its individuality.
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Patterns were still featured in the looks but would not be overwhelmingly abundant as before. Throughout the 2000s, the brand has released numerous sweatshirts that showcase the tiger, but there’re very few traces left of the original vibrant Kenzo.