Kenzo
LVMH · France
Kenzo is the Paris fashion house founded in 1970 by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada and owned by LVMH since 1993. Known for bold colour and prints, it has been led creatively by streetwear pioneer Nigo since September 2021.
| Founded | 1970, Paris |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kenzo Takada |
| Owner | LVMH (since 1993) |
| Headquarters | 18 rue Vivienne, Paris |
| Artistic director | Nigo (since 2021) |
| Website | kenzo.com |
What is Kenzo?
Kenzo is a French fashion brand with Japanese roots, offering ready-to-wear and accessories for women and men. It is part of LVMH. Nigo, founder of A Bathing Ape and Human Made, was appointed artistic director in September 2021, bringing Japanese street culture into the house's Parisian heritage.
History
Kenzo Takada opened his first boutique in Galerie Vivienne in Paris in 1970. The label, originally called Jungle Jap, was renamed Kenzo in 1976 after the original name was considered offensive in the United States. Menswear followed in 1983 and children's and home collections in 1987, with fragrance launched in 1988. LVMH acquired the company in 1993. Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony led the brand from 2011 to 2019, when the tiger motif sweatshirt became a bestseller, followed by Felipe Oliveira Baptista until 2021.
Products and positioning
Kenzo sits at the accessible end of LVMH's fashion portfolio, between designer and premium. It is known for colourful prints, floral and animal motifs, and an optimistic, youthful style. Under Nigo, workwear, varsity and archive references have been mixed with the house's early 1970s codes.
Business model and distribution
Kenzo sells through around 104 stores worldwide according to LVMH, plus e-commerce, wholesale accounts and department stores. Asia is an important market: in 2019 the brand took back direct control of its 35 stores in China. The head office at 18 rue Vivienne in Paris houses the studio, workshop and product development; LVMH puts the workforce at about 800 people.
Collaborations such as the 2016 partnership with H&M have helped introduce the brand to a wide audience.
Why it matters
Kenzo was one of the first houses to bring a Japanese designer's vision to Paris ready-to-wear. Today it is a test case for how luxury groups use streetwear-rooted designers to reach younger consumers.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Kenzo?
Kenzo has been owned by LVMH since 1993. It is part of the group's fashion and leather goods division.
Is Kenzo a Japanese or French brand?
Kenzo is a French fashion house founded in Paris in 1970 by the Japanese designer Kenzo Takada. Its identity combines Japanese influences with Parisian ready-to-wear, and it is now led by Japanese designer Nigo.