KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Sweater [Left] Sweater [Right]

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

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Sweater [Left]
Sweater [Right]

1971 [Left]
1971 [Right]

Designer
Kenzo Takada [Left]
Kenzo Takada [Right]
Brand
Jap [Left]
Jap [Right]
Label
JAP PARIS・TOKYO [Left]
JAP PARIS・TOKYO [Right]
Material
White, pink, red and purple wool knit; rib-knit at neck, hem and sleeves. Right: white wool knit; red anchor knitted mark; navy rib-knit at neck, hem and sleeves. [Left]
White wool knit; red anchor knitted mark; navy rib-knit at neck, hem and sleeves. [Right]
Inventory Number(s)
AC9255 95-63-3 [Left]
AC4897 84-26-1 [Right]

This sweater with kimono sleeves represents Kenzo Takada's early days. On top of a long-sleeved shirt, one could even layer another piece. Takada's designs caused the popularity of layering, a fresh, new way to dress well. The coordination of the jeans and hot pants together, also accelerated this free style of casual dress up.
Takada, who went to France in 1964, achieved rapid growth as a designer for prêt-à-porter clothing, and in 1970, he started his own brand. A dress by Takada made with simple ordinary kimono fabric was chosen as the cover of "Elle" magazine, and he became an overnight sensation in the fashion world. Takada's designs had a simple and relaxed style, combined with the esoteric image of Japan, which matched the spirit of the times that followed May 1968.

1970s