Jacques Fath was one of the most outstanding haute couturiers to emerge in post-war France, the other prominent designers being Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain. Fath began his career as a couturier in 1937 when he opened a salon on Rue de la Boetie in Paris. However, he found success as a designer only after the Second World War when he reopened his fashion house in Paris. Fath is well-known for his glamourous and sexy creations which emphasised the female form. His pieces were characterised by plunging necklines, fitted bodices, slender waistlines and full skirts with pleats or draped effects. Some commentators have suggested that his creative style was the inspiration for Dior’s New Look. Following Fath’s death in 1957, the haute couture arm of his fashion house ceased operations. The company subsequently ventured into the production of perfumes, gloves, hosiery and other accessories.
