Kenzo Announces Departure of Artistic Director Felipe Oliveira Baptista
The designer exits after two years at the French fashion house.
Just two years after joining Kenzo, Felipe Oliveira Baptista will step down from his role as artistic director of the French fashion house. The Portuguese designer, who lives and works in Paris, released a statement announcing his departure: “I have been honored to serve this amazing house and the legacy of its founder Kenzo Takada. I would like to thank my teams for their talent and dedication,” he told WWD.
Oliveira Baptista will officially leave Kenzo on June 30, when his contract is up. The designer succeeded Opening Ceremony founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, who reinvigorated Kenzo with a streetwear-influenced aesthetic and bold graphic prints. Oliveira Baptista took a more artistic, avant-garde approach during his tenure, experimenting with silhouette and proportion. His latest collection for the brand paid homage to founder Kenzo Takada, who died in October 2020 from COVID-19 complications.
It’s unclear who Kenzo will choose to take the reins from Oliveira Baptista, as well as where the designer is headed next. Stay tuned.
