A Dramatic Finale to Kenzo’s Career

If the world of fashion ever had a closing ceremony to rival that of, let’s say, the Olympics, it happened with a stylish send-off for Japanese designer Kenzo at the Zenith pop concert hall.

Until the wee hours of Friday morning, revelers toasted the 60-year-old couturier, who is retiring after 30 years in the business. The extravaganza featured more than 300 models, including Naomi Campbell, Laetitia Casta, Pat Cleveland, Janice Dickinson, Ines de la Fressange and Kadra.

More than 3,000 well-wishers were entertained by a production worthy of Oscar consideration. There were musicians, magicians, jugglers, dancers, motorcyclists, acrobats, a man on a flying carpet held up by cables, faux snow, an elephant and a gargantuan globe with a Kenzo look-alike sitting on top of the world.

The show, after all, could best be described as around the world with Kenzo, as his clothes, influenced by Japan, China, Eastern Europe, Africa, Andalusia, Paris, London and the tropics took center stage--and upstaged his last Spring 2000 collection.

Kenzo, whose last name is Takada, said he is looking forward to painting and traveling after his successor, Gilles Rosier, takes over at year’s end.

Michael Quintanilla can be reached by e-mail at socalliving@latimes.com.