Felipe Oliveira Baptista joins Kenzo as Creative Director
Fashion & Leather Goods
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© Karim Sadli
LVMH announces the appointment of Felipe Oliveira Baptista as the new Creative Director at Kenzo, marking a new chapter in the history of the Maison, which dates back to 1970. The appointment is effective as of July 1st, 2019.
Born in the Azores, Felipe Oliveira Baptista graduated from Kingston University in London. He began his career in fashion in Milan before moving to Paris where he settled, working initially for Christophe Lemaire. In 2002, he won the Grand Prix at the Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography, a partner of LVMH.
In 2003, he founded his own label, recognized twice by the ANDAM prize in 2003 and 2005. His lines are both conceptual and sensual, with each garment specifically designed to combine aesthetics with functionality.
In 2010, he became Creative Director of Lacoste where he left an enduring legacy notably after initiating a series of innovative limited editions.
“I am pleased with this appointment. Felipe’s talent as a designer, his expertise in clothing and his personal attachment to diverse cultures will be valuable assets in rejuvenating the creative energy at the Maison”, states Sidney Toledano, LVMH Fashion Group Chairman and CEO.
“We are delighted to welcome Felipe Oliveira Baptista as the new Creative Director of Kenzo. His innovative and modern creative vision and well-rounded artistic approach will enable Kenzo to reach its full potential while respecting its unique heritage”, adds Sylvie Colin, Kenzo CEO.
“Kenzo is all about contagious freedom and movement. Everything M. Takada did was suffused with joy, elegance and a youthful and bold sense of humor. Kenzo’s constant celebration of nature and cultural diversity has always been and remains at the heart of the brand. These two subjects have never felt more relevant and compelling than they do today and will be instrumental to the future of Kenzo”, says Felipe Oliveira Baptista.