Guy Laroche was born in La Rochelle, France, in 1921 and first began his career in millinery. Laroche then worked as an assistant to Jean Dessès before studying production and marketing techniques on a 1955 trip to the New York City garment district. Eventually, he founded his own haute couture company in Paris in 1957 and became a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Mode Parisienne.
His first collection was favourably received, and within it he reintroduced vibrant colours such as pink, orange, coral, topaz, and turquoise. His clothes also featured plunging neck and back lines.
He introduced his first ready to wear collection in 1961.
Mr. Laroche was known for his colour sense and the young, sexy look of his clothes. He developed a following among young Parisiennes when he began his business for his sparkling sequined evening dresses and, later, for his sharply tailored suits.
Laroche’s label continued to grow, specialising in reversible coats and traditional patterns. The sixties also saw his trademark loose waist-less sheath dress.
He also quickly became a favourite of the American designers and retailers in the late 1950's and 1960's who went to Paris to buy couture styles to be adapted or copied.
Depending on what was in fashion at the moment, Mr. Laroche's clothes carried echoes of the 1920's, 1930's and 1940's, but this was always done in moderation.
He received his first Golden Thimble award from the Chambre Syndicale in 1985 for his Fall and Winter couture collection.
In 1987, he became a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, receiving his award from Jacques Chirac, then Prime Minister of France, who cited his ''taste and elegance.''
Several well-known designers have worked under Laroche including Azzedine Alaia and Alber Elbaz.
Laroche died from cancer in Paris in 1989 but his company continued to flourish with successive designers.
We have a wonderful collection of vintage Guy Laroche pieces from the 80s & 90s available in the shop. Check them out by clicking any image below!
