January 11, 2000
Web posted at: 11:56 a.m. EST (1656 GMT)

PARIS (CNN) -- After 30 years in fashion, Japanese designer Kenzo Takada has given a final salute to the industry with his spring-summer 2000 collection.

Widely known as the most French of Japanese designers, Kenzo chose Paris to debut his farewell fashions. The mood was light and airy, with colorful blousy styles. The soft silhouettes, both delicate and ornate, were inspired by Kenzo's Japanese roots and his adopted homeland.

"This collection -- the spring/summer 2000 collection -- is both Japanese inspiration mixed with French beach-wear style," he says.

Kenzo says it's now time for him to relax and travel. "I worked for 30 years, and I have good stuff," he says. "But now I am 60. ... I thought it was a good occasion that I give my place to young designers."

He has named French designer Gilles Rosier to succeed him in designing Kenzo's ready-to-wear line for women.

CNN Style Correspondent Elsa Klensch contributed to this report.

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