Page 12 - Real Style September 2017

he initially encountered some dif culties. “The two biggest challenges when I started to establish my- self in France were for me not being able to speak French and being Japanese,” he recalls. However, Takada was determined to overcome cultural differ- ences and nd a place for himself in his home— and within the Parisian fashion industry.
“At that time, the Europeans mostly knew Ja- pan through the cliché of the ‘Japanese tourist.’ We were not known for fashion. Also in Japan, people were telling me that no Japanese would be able to work and succeed in France. At the beginning, I was only supposed to stay for six months, but it has been more than 50 years,” he says.
Takada made his mark by creating sketches and selling them to local French designers, including Louis Féraud. However, he also remained devoted to his dream of establishing his own label. In 1970, Takada launched Jungle Jap, an early line that com- bined his Japanese heritage with funky, fashionable elements. “I realized I had to go back to my own roots. I decided to incorporate some in uence from traditional kimonos, patterns and Japanese tech- niques and know-how into my designs, as well as drawing on different cultures,” the designer says.
Back then, Takada was trying to develop his brand identity and his own identity as a rising de- signer. Today, it’s safe to say that Kenzo’s design
I bRIng JApAneSe And OTHeR CuLTuRAL RefeRenCeS InTO my wORk, AS weLL AS A geneROuS dOSe Of HAppIneSS And JOyfuL SpIRIT.
aesthetic has stayed true to Takada’s humble origins and spirit. “I like to blend different textiles, patterns and inspiration. This is the way I work. I bring Jap- anese and other cultural references into my work, as well as a generous dose of happiness and joyful spirit.”
At close to 80 years of age, Takada’s relentless energy and passion come across as nothing short of impressive. He describes himself as “a very curious
12 Real Style september 2017
PhoTos, insTarimaGes