A selection of the late fashion designer's personal possessions from his apartment in Paris, including homewares and paintings, will be auctioned off in May
Parts of the personal collection of the late fashion designer Kenzo Takada will be offered in an auction by Artcurial on May 11 in Paris, with more than 600 lots from his apartment in Paris included. The apartment, where the fashion designer spent the last 15 years of his life, was decorated with the help of late architect Ed Tuttle, employing a blend of East and West aesthetics that embody Takada's own background and reflect the free spirit of his creative mind.
The auction is set to become a final tribute to the legendary designer who chose Paris as his primary source of inspiration. Items included in the auction are Takeda's homeware, a collection of sculptures and paintings, artworks ranging from including Asian, Pre-Columbian and Tribal art, furniture as well as clothes.
"The Kenzo collection reveals to us the eye of this genius in the world of fashion and interiors. As with his couture, he knew how to bring different cultures together in this Parisian apartment where he lived for the last 15 years of his life. The sale will be a final tribute to this multi-talented artist," said Stéphane Aubert, auctioneer and associate director of Artcurial. "Kenzo picked his furniture and objects with the same talent, delicacy, imagination and visionary spirit that he brought to his fabrics and fashion," he added.
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Among the highlights is a wooden figure of a horse that dates back to the Han dynasty with sale estimates of €20,000–30,000, a series of 13 photographs by William Eggleston estimated at €20,000–40,000 and 60 lots of homewares from Baccarat crystal carafes and glasses that are engraved with Kenzo's emblem. A selection of Takada's paintings will also be on offer with estimates starting at €1,500 as well as pieces designed and done by Takada himself—from his sketches, drawings, paintings and even a self-portrait.
"The Kenzo collection brilliantly reflects the eye of this genius designer and decorator who was in love with civilizations and knew how to perfectly blend different cultures. This sale will be the opportunity for a final tribute to this multitalented artist," said Aubert.
The late fashion designer passed away in October 2020 at the age of 81 due to Covid-19 implications. A Japanese native, Takada arrived in France in 1965 and settled there, founding his namesake brand, Kenzo in 1970. He was one of the first Japanese to gain prominence on the Paris fashion scene with his colourful, floral prints and foray into genderless fashion. Eventually, he paved the way for other Japanese visionaries to conquer the fashion scene including Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto. His art collection is not surprising as, upon Takada's retirement in 1999, he wanted to pursue a career in art.
The auction will be held in Paris on May 11. Interested bidders can bid by phone, online on the website or by purchase order. The second sale of 100 wardrobe pieces by Kenzo Takada will be held online only. An exhibition at Artcurial Paris will be held from May 7–10, recreating the interiors of the designer's appartment. For more details of the auction, please visit the official website.
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