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Written by fuzzylizzie.com
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JEAN PATOU
(1880-1936) Jean Patou opened his first design house in 1912, but was forced to close it in 1914 because of WWI. He was back in business after the war, in 1919 when he opened his couture house. His clothes were sporty and youthful, and they were a big success both in France and in the United States. He not only designed dresses, but also true sportswear such as tennis dresses and bathing suits.
In 1924 Patou traveled to the US, and when he returned to Paris he took with him six American models. The American trade was an important part of his business, and the models were to assure a good fit on the taller American figure, and to attract more US buyers.
In 1929, Patou lowered hemlines and moved the waist back to its natural position and the rest of the fashion world soon followed suit.
Patou died in 1936, and the house was then directed by his brother-in-law, Richard Barbas. Since then there has been a considerable amount of talent at the house of Patu, including Marc Bohan 1953-56, Karl Lagerfeld 1960-1963 and Christian LeCroix 1982-87.
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from an early 1930s silk beaded dress
Courtesy of kickshawproductions
from a 1930s coat
Courtesy of b*a*vintagequeen
from a c. 1950 couture cocktail dress
Courtesy of *sparklet*
from a 1960s dress
Courtesy of coutureallure.com
from a c.1967 dress
Courtesy of kickshawproductions
Courtesy of madisonandco
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