born March 9, 1923, Pau, Fr.
French fashion designer.
He went to work in a small Parisian fashion house in 1948 and within a year joined the staff of Cristobal Balenciaga . In 1961 he opened his own house and became established as one of the most original couturiers in Paris. His futuristic styles featured well-cut pants, trapezoidal lines, and miniskirts with white midcalf boots; white became his hallmark. In the 1960s his designs were widely copied. He established control over manufacturing and distribution through licensed outlets.