January, 4th, 2014

PARIS | FALL WINTER 1994 | PHILIPPE VENET

Le Kimono Coat Concorde ..

Philippe Venet (b. 1931) served as an assistant to Elsa Schiaparelli before her house closed in 1954. He also served as a designer and tailor for Givenchy, then opened his own house in 1962. Venet was known for his beautifully tailored coats. His perfumes were Couture pour Elle and Eau de Couture.

His experience and respect for the traditions of haute couture were a mainstay of his work from the beginning, as were his superb tailoring skills. His cut has always been innovative and imaginative, with a range of beautifully cut and tailored coats featured in every collection. Distinctive pieces from the 1960s were his kite coats; in the 1970s were geometric patterns, oversized capes, and jackets in flannel and reversible wools; his suits and coats in the 1980s and 1990s were fun and flirtatious, in refreshing colors. Venet’s eveningwear has often been inspired by flora and fauna; the overall eveningwear look is generally romantic but sophisticated, smart but with a hint of naughtiness, and designed for a wealthy clientéle.

Philippe Venet was awarded the Dé d’Or award in January 1985. This award not only recognized his aesthetic contribution to the fashion industry but applauded the detailed attention he brought to every aspect of the business, closely moni toring the creation of each outfit and personally attending all the fittings. In the middle and late 1990s Venet divided his time between France and the United States. A third of his clients were American, and he presented annual collections in both Los Angeles and New York. Expansion near the end of the century included a new menswear line to complement his womenswear ranges.

His house closed in 1994.

“This is another ‘budget’ picture shot for my book on haute couture,”

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