Designer Takada, 81, dies of bug

Famed fashion designer Kenzo Takada, whose colorful creations were influenced by his experiences in different parts of the world, died Sunday following a battle with COVID-19.

He was 81.

The Japanese-born designer’s K-3 brand confirmed his death with “immense sadness” in a statement to CNN. “The world-renowned designer passed away” Sunday due to COVID related complication at the American Hospital, in Neuilly-surSeine, France,” the statement said.

A tribute to TTakadakd was alsol shared to the brand’s Instagram page; the post didn’t specify a cause of death.

“He was an inspiring and prodigious creator and we were proud to collaborate with him,” the post reads. “We will always remember his smile and joie de vivre. The fashion, design world and all of us are mourning him tonight and extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones.”

Takada (photo), who developed a passion for fashion during his youth after reading his sister’s style magazines, attended the Bunka College of Fashion in Tokyo before moving to Paris in his mid-20s.

In 1970, his boutique in the French city became a major hit, with his unique clothing combining Asian styles with paintings of jungles by artist Henri Rousseau.

Takada continued to release innovative pieces over the years, and his work was regularly featured on magazine covers and in showings of his collections in major cities including New York and Tokyo.

His Kenzo brand, which he founded in 1970, was bought by leading fashion company LVMH in 1993.

Takada then launched the K-3 lifestyle brand this past January.