Kenzo Bids Fashion Adieu

Japanese designer Kenzo is retiring from the hustle and bustle of the fashion business after an illustrious 30-year career.

“I’m happy to pass on the baton,” said the 60-year-old Kenzo Takada backstage before his show late Thursday night. “I have confidence that the House of Kenzo will continue. I’m sad about leaving because it’s been so much a part of my life. But with a new millennium coming, it’s a unique time to change.”

Kenzo said he will pursue other interests such as painting and traveling.

“Kenzo doesn’t want the pressure and stress of fashion. His dream is to be free,” said Herve Martin, president and chief executive of Kenzo. Martin said Kenzo will remain with the company until the end of the year.

Succeeding Kenzo will be Gilles Rosier, designer for the women’s collection, and Roy Krejberg, who will design the men’s line.

Kenzo is owned by luxury goods group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Thursday night’s extravaganza was to include the last spring collection designed by Kenzo as well as a retrospective of his career. More than 350 models, including Iman and other supermodels Kenzo has worked with, were expected to walk the runway in the show--the hottest ticket in Paris--held at a concert hall at Zenith Parc de la Villette.

Said Patricia Findlay, Kenzo’s publicist: “He arrived in Paris with a dream in one hand and talent in the other. He will be missed.”