Kenzo named in French New Year’s honours

London - Founder of French-based fashion label Kenzo has been made an honorary French Knight in the country’s New Year’s honours roll.

On New Year’s Day, Japanese designer Kenzo Takada was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian decoration in the annual honour’s list.

Takada has lived in Paris since 1964 and grew his eponymous label Kenzo into a recognisable global brand, before retiring in 1999. Since then he has continued to work within fashion as an ambassador for the industry, and he was named the Honorary President of the Asian Couture Federation, an organisation that supports and promotes Asian couturiers.

Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is the highest of the French national honours. It now has more 93,000 members, who have been awarded for their outstanding merit in the service of France.

Kenzo’s honour follows a number of fashion names being named in the Queen’s annual New Year Honours list including Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet being named a Dame in honour to her contributions to the British economy and fashion industry.