Japanese Fashion Designer Kansai Yamamoto Dead at 76

TOKYO, KOMPAS.com — Renowned Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto passed away last Tuesday after a short battle with leukemia.

Kansai Yamamoto was regarded for his avant-garde and colorful work that had been worn by late rock icon David Bowie.

Kansai died at the age of 76 after developing leukemia in February.

The eccentric Japanese fashion designer was upbeat about recovery and returning with renewed energy, according to Kansai’s company.

Born in 1944 in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Yamamoto debuted in 1971, becoming the first Japanese fashion designer to hold a show in London.

He became internationally known for blending traditional Japanese motifs with brilliant colors and bold designs.

Yamamoto designed the costume for Bowie's Ziggy Stardust alter ego, and also developed friendships with top artists including Elton John and Stevie Wonder, his company said.

He contributed to collections in Tokyo, New York and Paris for nearly two decades until 1992 and produced the “Kansai Super Show” and “Nippon Genki Project."

Yamamoto, who sought a career in engineering before turning to fashion, also demonstrated his talent in designing venues and organizing social events for the 2008 G-8 summit in Toyako in northern Japan.

He also won awards for his interior and exterior design of the Keisei Skyliner train connecting Tokyo and Narita International Airport.

“'Human energy is limitless' was his motto he would never let go, and he bravely kept challenging no matter how hard the situation," his company said in a statement. 

(Writer: Mari Yamaguchi) 

Source: https://apnews.com/2d893dc41614db60f171ff796a7efa66