Born in Paris in 1887 into a family of tanners based in Picardy, Jean Patou first joined the army before turning his eye to fashion. His father was a tanner of chamois for luxury leather goods and his mother, a housewife. He trained in fur before founding his first fashion house at the age of 23, then created his own brand in Paris in 1914. The First World War forced him to put his brand on hold. After returning from the front, where he discovered the beauty of the East and the Balkans, he re-opened his house as a family business, alongside his parents, his sister, Madeline, and her husband.
Fashion designs by Jean Patou in the 1950s
In the 1920s, women were breaking the mould with their wardrobe, and Jean Patou was at their side. He proposed a whole new way to experience garments and the idea of leisure and relaxation. In 1925, the year of his great successes, he opened a shop in Monte-Carlo, which he frequented for its casino. In Deauville, Cannes and Biarritz, seaside resorts where one had to be seen, he sold bathrobes and swimwear made to measure, marked with his initials: “JP”.
Jean Patou participated in the emergence of the iconic French “je ne sais quoi” movement that has left a lasting mark on French style. He died in his apartment of Georges V in 1936, at the age of 48, leaving the world with a spark as quick as was his life.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see portraits of classic models in beautiful fashion designs by Jean Patou in the 1950s.
Fiona Campbell-Walter in white crepe evening gown by Jean Patou, photo by Richard Dormer, L’officiel, 1952
Joan Whelan in elegant lavender wool suit over pale gray crêpe blouse by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1952
Model in red wool coat with interesting shawl collar that extend to the sleeves, worn over yellow shantung dress by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier aboard the ocean liner ‘Ile de France’, 1952
Anne Gunning in tan cotton piqué suit, jacket is boxy with square neckline, bright blue scarf adds color, by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953
Joan Whelan in jersey day-dress and jacket in a brilliant red by Jean Patou, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953
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