Guy Laroche (16 July 1921 – 17 February 1989[1]) was a French fashion designer and founder of the eponymous company.
Biography
Laroche was born in La Rochelle to a Tunisian Jewish family, and began his career in millinery. From 1949, Laroche worked for Jean Dessès, eventually becoming his assistant. In 1955, he visited the U.S. to investigate new ready-to-wear manufacturing methods. In 1956 or 1957, he founded a high-fashion atelier at 37 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, Paris.
His first collection was favorably received, and within it he reintroduced vibrant colors such as pink, orange, coral, topaz, and turquoise. His clothes also featured plunging neck and back lines. Traditional elegant color combinations remained a staple in his designs as well. He cited Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Jacques Fath and Pierre Balmain as his main influences.[2]
Known as being humble and gracious—as opposed to the aloof nature of most Parisian designers—he designed haute-couture, but practical clothing for women.