Alright, let’s talk about how I got into the fashion world and ended up learning from the best. It all started back when I was just a kid, fascinated by the glossy pages of fashion magazines. I was born in Oran, Algeria, in 1936, and even from a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of that glamorous scene.

Fast forward to my early days in the industry. I got a lucky break when I met Michel de Brunhoff. He was the editor of French Vogue at the time, and he saw something in my sketches. He was kind enough to mentor me a bit, and then, because he thought my work looked a lot like what Dior was doing, he introduced me to Christian Dior himself.
I remember walking into Dior’s studio for the first time like it was yesterday. It was intimidating, to say the least, but also incredibly exciting. Dior took a look at my work, and to my surprise, he hired me on the spot! It felt like a dream come true.
At first, I was mainly doing simple tasks, like decorating the boutiques. But I was eager to learn, and I soaked up everything around me like a sponge. I also helped create some of the haute couture dresses. It wasn’t long before Dior started to trust me with more responsibility. He saw my passion and my potential, and he started to teach me the ins and outs of high fashion design. It was like a masterclass every single day.
Sudden Death, Sudden Responsibility
Then, in 1957, tragedy struck. Dior passed away unexpectedly. It was a shock to everyone, and the fashion world was in mourning. I was only 21, and suddenly, I was thrust into the role of head designer at the House of Dior. Talk about pressure! But I knew I had to step up and honor Dior’s legacy.
I’ll never forget the first collection I designed as head designer. It was called the “Trapeze Line,” and it was a big departure from what Dior had been doing. I introduced a softer, more flowing silhouette, and it was a hit! People loved it, and it really put me on the map. Looking back, those years at Dior were a whirlwind. I learned so much, not just about design, but about the business of fashion, about leadership, and about myself.
- Started with a passion for fashion, fueled by magazines.
- Met Michel de Brunhoff, who introduced me to Christian Dior.
- Hired by Dior on the spot after showing him my sketches.
- Began with simple tasks, then earned Dior’s trust and learned more.
- Became head designer at 21 after Dior’s sudden death.
- Introduced the successful “Trapeze Line,” marking my own style.
It was an incredible, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience. Dior’s mentorship shaped me into the designer I became, and I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent learning from him.