Jean Dessès facts for kids
Jean Dessès (born August 6, 1904 – died August 2, 1970) was a very famous fashion designer. He was known around the world in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. His clothing designs showed ideas from his many travels. He was especially good at making elegant evening gowns. These dresses often used light fabrics like chiffon and mousseline. His style was inspired by ancient Greek and Egyptian robes.
Contents
About Jean Dessès
Jean Dessès was born in Alexandria, Egypt. His birth name was Jean Dimitre Verginie. His parents were Greek. At first, he planned to study law. But in 1925, he decided to follow his passion for fashion instead.
Starting His Fashion Career
Jean Dessès began working at Maison Jane. This was a well-known fashion house in Paris. In 1937, he opened his very own fashion salon. A salon is like a fancy shop where designers show their clothes.
Travels and Design Ideas
After World War II, Dessès traveled a lot. He visited many different countries. His journeys gave him new ideas for his designs. He became famous for his draped evening gowns made of chiffon. He also created embroidered dresses and sleek sheath dresses. These often had tight jackets and flowing skirts.
Famous Clients
Jean Dessès' fashion was very popular. Many European royal families and movie stars loved his clothes. His clients included queens and princesses from Greece. The Duchess of Windsor also wore his designs. Famous people like Athina Livanos and Elsa Maxwell were his customers too.
In 1962, he designed a special dress. It was the wedding gown for Princess Sophia of Greece. She later became Queen Sofia of Spain.
Working with Other Designers
Many young designers learned from Jean Dessès. Valentino worked with him for several years in the 1950s. He gained a lot of experience there. Guy Laroche was also Dessès' assistant in the 1950s.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1963, Jean Dessès was 60 years old. He retired to Greece because of his health. He had opened a small boutique there eight years earlier. He passed away in Athens in 1970.
In the 1990s, his fashion designs became popular again. This was because people started to love vintage dresses. Naomi Campbell wore a vintage Dessès gown in 1999. Later, in 2001, Renée Zellweger wore a yellow Dessès gown to the Academy Awards. In 2006, Jennifer Lopez also wore a vintage Dessès gown to the Academy Awards. This dress was made with 50 yards of chiffon!
Jean Dessès also created his own perfume. It was called Kalispera.
See also
In Spanish: Jean Desses para niños
