Jacques Fath is one of the names you hear spoken about when people
are referring to the big fashion houses of the 1940’s and 50’s. Born in
France in 1912, Fath had a relatively short fashion career, as he passed
away in 1954 only 17 years after his name had become known in the
fashion world.
Coming from a creative family background (dressmakers, illustrators
and painters) , Fath taught himself how to design, he never sketched his
work, preferring to drape material straight on to the body. Although he
was originally trained as a milliner, he showed his first clothing
collection in Paris in 1937.
He was well known and sought after due to
his ability to flatter the female form, with fitted bodices
that emphasized the curve of the bust and hip. He favored bright colors
and his dresses often featured asymmetrical necklines and drapery or
pleats in the skirts for added movement.
It has been said that it was his work that inspired Dior’s New Look
in 1947. He designed Rita Hayworths wedding dress for her wedding to
Prince Aly Khan, and some of the assistants he had later went on to open
their own fashion houses. Hubert de Givenchy, Guy Laroche, and
Valentino Garavani.
Fath was very good looking, as was his wife, a former model and
secretary for Coco Chanel. They were both huge socialites
and extremely well liked in social circles. While I was looking up info
on him, I found some speculation that he was in fact gay and his wife a
lesbian. Hmmmm. (dont believe everything you read ) Either way, I found
what I could find about him fascinating and its a shame leukemia took
his life at the very early age of 42. (I have already purchased a book
on amazon to find out more!)
His wife took over the company after his death in 54 but it stopped producing fashion lines in 1957. Since then the brand name has been bought by several different companies (bought by Loreal in 1992) has produced many fragrances and accessories. Such a shame, Fath died young, I have no doubt his name would be just as big as Dior if he hadn’t. X
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