Kenzo Takada ventured to Paris in the 1960s, at a time when there were no Asian designers on the Western fashion landscape, where he started from the very bottom. Through the preeminent success of Kenzo as an Asian designer in Paris, and in Tokyo, as a fashion hub found a place in the world of fashion. This has paved the way for more Japanese Designers, the likes of Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo, and Yohji Yamamato, to follow in his foot-steps.

 

As the Honourary President of the Asian Couture Federation, Mr. Kenzo Takada continues to be an influential and much respected designer, whose body of work over many years remains influential and significant. It was therefore the Asian Couture Federation’s distinct honour to confer the first Asian Couture Federation "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Mr. Kenzo Takada.