Guy Laroche

Laroche was born in La Rochelle to a Tunisian Jewish family, and began his career in millinery.

His first collection was favorably received, and within it he reintroduced vibrant colors such as pink, orange, coral, topaz, and turquoise.

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.

In 1961, he moved to larger quarters in a townhouse at 29 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, opened a boutique there, and introduced his first ready-to-wear collection.