Guy Laroche was born in La Rochelle, near Bordeaux, France in 1923. He went to Paris at an early age and worked with a milliner.
After World War II, he spent 2 years in New York as a milliner on 7th Avenue. On his return to Paris, in 1949, he joined JEAN DESSES where he worked for 8 years.
He established his own salon in 1957. At first he produced couture lines, but in 1960, he launched his ready-to-wear collection. He was known for his skilful cutting and tailoring. His early work was influenced by Balenciaga, but he later gave that formality a lively freshness, cultivating popularity with younger women.
He is particular remembered for his empire-line dresses with material gently gathered into raised waistbands, as well as his tailored pantsuits.
Several well-known designers have worked under Laroche. In 1957, Azzedine Alaia joined him for several years, from 1955 to 1958 Valentino worked there, and Issey Miyake was also a designer for Laroche from 1966 to 1968.
Guy Laroche died in 1989 at the age of 66.
The house of Guy Laroche now has 15 boutiques and 70 licenses around the world.
In 1993 Michel Klein began designing for the house of Laroche.
In 1997, he left and was followed by Israeli-born designer Alber Elbaz, who left to go to the house of Yves St. Laurent in 1998. Three other designers followed him.
Laetitia Hecht
The designer at Laroche today is Laetitia Hecht (born Paris 1968). She has been designing for the house since December 2001. Laetitia is known for her innovative and imaginative designs and she has reinvigorated the label. Just in time, because Laroche was in danger of falling off the fashion radar.
Spring/Summer 2003
In October 2002 during Paris fashion week, she presented the Laroche Spring/Summer 2003 collection. The stage was arranged like a tropical rain forest with bamboo groves.
The dresses were highly wearable, including some lovely knits and leather garments. It is destined for commercial success. One the left is a dress from that collection.
Fall/Winter 2003
Laetitia Hecht showed the Fall collection for the house of Guy Laroche during Paris Fashion Week of March 2003. Here on the right, is an outfit from the collection. She chose an Eastern European theme from Hungary.
The Fall collection showed a magical world full of gypsies, fairies and goddesses. Gypsy scarves tossed over heads, silver bracelets strung with medallions, suede boots high above the knee, opaque hoop skirts, pleated leather dress and thick nit sweaters. Her evening looks were black chiffon dresses split and inset with gauzy net.
Change of Designer
In September 2004, the Hong-Kong based textile group YGM Trading Ltd., bought the house of Laroche and to re-vitalize the label, appointed Herve Leroux as Designer. Born in 1957, he is a well-experienced designer. He is shown here on the left. Click on his name for full details of his career.
Spring/Summer 2005
In Paris, during Fashion Week in October 2004, Herve Leroux presented the Guy Laroche collection. A dress from the show is pictured on the right.
He presented form-fitting clothes in silk jersey and viscose, using draping to great effect. The collection was modern and sleek. High-waisted pants and white tank tops with sequins were attractive for day. Dresses with zippers down the front gave an additional touch of sex appeal to classic gowns. Herve's first collection for Laroche was a real success.
Oscar Night
February 27th 2005
Hillary Swank won the Best Actress at the Oscar ceremonies, for her role in "Million Dollar Baby", the Clint Eastwood film which won 4 Oscars.
She wore a dark blue Guy Laroche gown, designed by Herve Laroux, which is shown on the left.
Ready to Wear
Autumn/Winter 2005
Paris March 2005
Herve presented his Guy Laroche Autumn/Winter 2005 collection in Paris in March 2005, and it was a very successful show. He created many attractive creations, one outfit being shown on the right, consisting of a metallic pleated top and a long black pleated skirt. Herve's clothes were clean and simple, free of distracting embellishments. His vision of elegance is long gowns, similar to that worn by Hilary Swank mentioned above. Herve Laroux is bringing fresh honour to the house of Guy Laroche.
Spring/Summer 2006
Paris Fashion Week
Herve Leroux presented his Guy Laroche Spring/Summer 2006 collection during Paris Fashion Week in October 2005. A short white cotton dress with an empire waistline, from the collection is shown on the left. It has a black belt and shoulder straps, and the bodice is folded like an origami creation.
He said that he was aiming for simple and uncomplicated clothes in this collection, which made a woman look younger.
His creations had a strong black and white theme, with touches of colour and couture detailing here and there.
Simple shirtwaist dresses and frothy organza sundresses in soft prints with full skirts appeared on the runway.
Some gowns has jersey cascade ruffles (so popular this season).
Fidji (W)