The K-3 collection was unveiled on January 17 in Paris at Maison & Objet, the leading home decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community. To celebrate this launch, Kenzo Takada has also opened the first K-3 showroom, at 242 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris on the same day, as part of the Paris Deco Home circuit.

K-3 is a colorful ode to life; with the support of his team, the French at heart Japanese designer has conceptualised an extensive, yet meticulously curated collection, including chairs, sofas, tables, rugs, bed linens, home textiles and accessories. To help bring his extraordinary vision to life, the designer enlisted the know-how of leading Italian heritage brands, including luxury bed linen brand Sferra.

This vision has been inspired by Eastern and Western aesthetics with a modern twist. Therefore, as part of the brand’s visual identity, most pieces bear a kintsugi mark, a tribute to the Japanese savoir-faire. Kintsugi is the Japanese technique of mending broken pieces of pottery with lacquer dipped or dusted in gold, silver or platinum.

The Japanese designer expertly weaves together the organic and geometric forms and patterns. Within this collection, Kenzo Takada has fashioned together three underlying themes: Sakura, Maiko and Shogun.

Inspired by nature, the Sakura theme creates an overall feeling of harmony and tranquillity with intricate floral motifs. The oneiric theme boasts hints of gold with a subtle pastel palette of pink and yellow.

Featuring a myriad of vivid colors and bold patterns, Kenzo Takada’s designs are reflective of his joyful creative universe.

For this new venture, Kenzo Takada is serving as the artistic director, and has enlisted a vast team of experts to work alongside him. Jonathan Bouchet Manheim has been Kenzo Takada’s managing partner since 2013 and has been at the forefront of K-3’s development. Engelbert Honorat is also working closely with the Japanese designer as his creative assistant. Wanda Jelmini has provided her extensive interior design knowledge and experience.

With vibrant reds and pinks, illuminated with touches of gold, Maiko blends geometric lines and organic shapes. This theme echoes the delicate and refined spirit of the Maikos; these young Geishas in the making are renowned for their kimonos, and their delicate red and white makeup.

The K-3 development involves a remarkable number of talented individuals including craftsmen, manufacturers, and developers.

Shogun powerfully evokes solemnity, with dramatic black and ivory monochromes. This graphic and geometric theme brings a sharp flair to interiors, whilst encapsulating modernity and sophisticated elegance.

Prominently displayed here is the distinctive kintsugi mark on the black low-table, which points to the Japanese philosophy of using broken materials to create something that is even more beautiful than its original form.

In much the same way that Kenzo’s fashion designs freed women’s bodies, the pieces from his home collection utilise a mix of colour, patterns and craftsmanship to make a home feel more inviting, warm and convivial.

By using quality materials, K-3’s designs exude a subtle but captivating presence. Thankfully, Kendo’s legacy will continue with Engelbert Honorat taking over the helm of K-3.

This article first appeared in Home & Decor