The veteran Japanese designer is making a comeback, according to an announcement from LVMH, the French conglomerate that now owns Kenzo's fashion house. Reports specify that LVMH has struck a deal with Yumé (which means "dream"), Kenzo's lifestyle line, which will go into effect on May 15.

"Kenzo Takada indicated last autumn that he would like to come out of retirement and LVMH was obviously delighted at the prospect of his return," LVMH said in its statement.

"Kenzo Takada will be devoting all of his creative energies to developing new projects in association with the LVMH Fashion Group - geared around quality, ethics or innovation - be they in the world of fashion, interior design and architecture or trend-setting."

The designer recently publicized that he would hold a press conference in Paris on May 15 to announce "something important." Today's release would appear to indicate that he was speaking of the Yumé venture.

Despite selling out to LVMH, Takada retained rights to his name. However, after leaving the scene happily three years ago, the 63-year old designer has grown anxious to launch a new creative project.

LVMH made its announcement late afternoon Friday in Paris, when most Parisians were a long way from the city enjoying an extended weekend break that began with Wednesday's national holiday.

Kenzo retired from his position as creative director of Kenzo in October 1999, three decades after launching his own house.