The brand
K-3 : A Harmonious Vision of Art and Life
After years of collaboration on various design and lifestyle projects, the iconic fashion designer Kenzo Takada and Jonathan Bouchet Manheim co-founded K-3. Launched in Paris in 2020, K-3 was born from Takada’s celebrated vision, bringing his passion for fabric, colour, and global influences into the realm of luxury home and lifestyle design.
K三 (pronounced “K-3”) reflects a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences, symbolised by the fusion of the Roman letter "K" and the Japanese kanji "三." The kanji, meaning "three," embodies balance and harmony—a key principle of K-3's identity. Guided by this philosophy, K-3 designs collections in trios, exploring diverse yet complementary aesthetics. The brand also honours the Japanese art of kintsugi, celebrating the beauty in imperfection by embracing resilience and timelessness. Through these elements, K-3 creates pieces that are both modern and steeped in cultural meaning.
A COLOURFUL ODE TO THE JOY OF LIFE
In October 2020, Kenzo passed away in Paris at the age of 81, leaving an extraordinary legacy of artistry and vision. Today, under the leadership of Jonathan Bouchet Manheim, the team at K-3 honours Takada’s pioneering spirit, pushing boundaries, and redefining design paradigms in celebration of an enduring ‘art of living’ philosophy.
Kenzo Takada: “I want to design spaces that embrace people and connect them to the world around them” – remains integral to K-3’s approach to luxury living. Driven by a talented team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence, K-3 creates sophisticated spaces that resonate with imagination and connection.
CO-FOUNDERS
Jonathan Bouchet Manheim
Jonathan Bouchet Manheim grew up in a vibrant, cross-cultural family, with roots stretching from New York and Paris. His upbringing was characterised by an environment that cherished creativity and championed the spirit of innovation. Initially working in finance, his love for entrepreneurship coupled with a deep appreciation for the arts, began to take centre stage. His tenure with Kenzo was marked by an uncompromising commitment to quality and an attention to detail that would shape the success of their shared endeavours.
Kenzo Takada
Kenzo Takada, a luminary in the world of fashion and design, embarked on his journey from the vibrant streets of Himeji, Japan, to the fashion capitals of the world. With a pioneering spirit and a boundless passion for colour, nature, and diversity, Kenzo transformed the fashion landscape, introducing a unique fusion of Japanese aesthetics with European haute couture. In founding K-3, Kenzo Takada brought his distinctive flair and innovative mindset to the realm of home decor and design.
CREATIVE STUDIO
Engelbert Honorat
A central figure in K-3’s creative studio, Engelbert Honorat began his journey with Kenzo as a creative assistant, where he honed his craft and developed an intimate understanding of Kenzo’s vision.
Through years of mentorship under Kenzo, Engelbert mastered the art of patternmaking, focusing on refined, intricate craftsmanship.
WANDA JELMINI
An interior design expert with a career spanning over four decades, Wanda Jelmini brings a wealth of experience to K-3, bridging fashion and home design with a distinctive, artistic approach. Raised in a family with a rich textile legacy dating back to 1919, Wanda has spent more than 30 years designing for Missoni, where she blended intricate patterns and bold colours to create vibrant expressions of art. Her deep-rooted knowledge of fabrics and textures and her refined eye for design make her a valuable asset to the K-3 team.
Hitoshi “Marcy” Mashita
Affectionately known as Marcy, Hitoshi Mashita has been a trusted figure in Kenzo’s creative circle since the 1970s, particularly known for his mastery of colour. As Kenzo’s preferred colourist, Marcy played an integral role in crafting the brand’s most recognisable and vibrant concepts. His work is defined by a profound understanding of colour’s emotional and aesthetic power that allows K-3’s palettes to resonate deeply.
