Kansai Yamamoto, fashion designer, dies age 76

‘”In my eyes, my father was not only the eclectic and energetic soul that the world knew him as, but someone who was also thoughtful, kind-hearted and affectionate,” she wrote.

According to an announcement printed by the designer’s eponymous firm, Yamamoto died final Tuesday following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. His funeral has already taken place, although a “public farewell” could also be held at a later date.

Japanese fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto (proper) and mannequin Sayoko Yamaguchi (left) in Tokyo in November 1982. Credit: Kyodo News through Getty Images

Supermodel Iman walks a New York runway for Yamamoto in 1981. Credit: Rose Hartman/WireImage

“As he fought his illness, he remained always positive, never lost his passion towards creation,” the corporate’s assertion learn.

Born in 1944, Yamamoto studied civil engineering earlier than turning his consideration to fashion. By the early 1970s he had turn out to be the primary Japanese designer to carry a present in London, a chance that earned him worldwide popularity of his theatrical creations.

It was throughout this time that he established friendships with among the decade’s most necessary musicians, together with Elton John and Stevie Wonder. His rising profile in London additionally introduced him to the eye of late singer David Bowie, with whom he fashioned a longstanding inventive partnership.

“Luckily David had a very slim body and they fit him very well — no fittings,” the designer recalled.

Bowie collaboration

Yamamoto went on to provide numerous stage outfits for Bowie, from androgynous jumpsuits and bodysuits, to cloaks and wide-bottomed pants. He designed costumes for the singer’s 1973 “Aladdin Sane” tour, which accompanied the long-lasting album of the identical identify, serving to to convey Bowie’s numerous stage personas, together with Ziggy Stardust, to life.

“Some sort of chemical reaction took place: My clothes became part of David, his songs and his music,” Yamamoto was quoted as saying within the 2016 interview. “They became part of the message he delivered to the world.”

David Bowie performing as Ziggy Stardust, in his “woodland creatures” costume designed by Kansai Yamamoto, on the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973. Credit: Debi Doss/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A fancy dress created by Yamamoto for David Bowie is displayed through the press preview of the “David Bowie is” exhibition at Warehouse Terrada on January 5, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan. Credit: The Asahi Shimbun through Getty Images

While identified for his dramatic designs, he additionally explored conventional Japanese clothes and craftsmanship. After his 1970s and 1980s heyday, he continued to supply up to date new takes on the kimono, and all through his profession, embraced the Japanese idea of “basara,” creating extremely daring, daring designs that upended any suggestion of minimalism. He was enlisted by Louis Vuitton to create various seems for the model’s 2018 resort assortment, which featured kabuki-inspired motifs towards glitter and sequins.

“We deeply regret that Kansai cannot join us on the day,” its assertion learn, “but we would like to deliver his passion and dream in the best way possible.”

CNN’s Yoko Wakatsuki and Junko Ogura contributed to this report.