When Guy Laroche launched his eponymous couture label in 1957, he had a clear aim in mind: liberating women’s bodies away from the New Look, towards a comfortable, understated elegance both “refined and discreet”.

His designs marked decades: creations such as the coat-dress and the shirt-dress continue to be a staple in women’s wardrobes today. In 1966, Guy Laroche launched Guy Laroche Monsieur. The launch of the perfumes “Fidji” in 1966 and “Drakkar Noir” in 1982 sell by dozens of millions. The house soon proved to be a hotspot for its clientele: Jane Fonda, Faye Dunaway or Mireille Darc milled around the boutiques.

Known as being humble and gracious—as opposed to the haughty nature of most Parisian designers—he designed haute-couture, but practical clothing for women. For the American market, he was one of the first to create separates.

After Guy Laroche passed away in 1989, the creative direction of the house was passed on to several designers including Michel Klein, Alber Elbaz, Marcel Marongiu, Adam Andrascik, and now Richard René.