Jeanne Lafaurie: Elegant Parisian Couturière of the Mid-Century

Jeanne Lafaurie (1897–1983) was a French couturière known for her refined and expertly crafted designs. She founded her Paris fashion house in the mid-1920s and operated under her own name until the late 1950s, creating elegant, well-draped garments prized for their quality and understated sophistication.

Located on the prestigious Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Lafaurie’s maison attracted talented young designers, including André Courrèges, who worked there early in his career. Lafaurie also contributed costume designs to French cinema.

Though less widely celebrated than some of her contemporaries, Lafaurie remains remembered for embodying the quiet elegance of mid-century Parisian couture. These elegant designs showcase the refined craftsmanship and timeless Parisian style of Jeanne Lafaurie, a distinguished couturière of the mid-20th century.

Mrs. Stanley Mortimer in a new wrapped coat of cocoa wool with a black rolling shawl collar by Jeanne Lafaurie, sealskin hat by Maud Roser, photo by John Rawlings, Vogue, October 1, 1946

Della Oake wearing an Empire-style dress in several layers of blue tulle over white which gives it a cloud-like appearance by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Arik Nepo, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

Jeanne Klein in charming dress from Jeanne Lafaurie's "Campanule" (Bellflower) line, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1948

Model wearing a one-shoulder, green jersey dress embroidered with feathers and sequins by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Vogue Studio, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

Wenda Parkinson in beautiful chiffon evening gown by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

Model in beautiful draped red faille evening gown by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1948

Rose Valois decorates a black tulle capeline with pastel tulips, dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1949

Ariane wearing a dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, and hat by Legroux Soeurs, photo by Don Honeyman, Vogue, Paris, May 1949

Model in black tulle gown, the skirt is in gradiating ruffles that end in slight train by Jeanne Lafaurie, large fan is of black tulle covered with glittering brilliants, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1949

Model wearing a beige linen suit with a flower on the lapel which adds a touch of color, the jacket is cinched at the waist with a belt by Jeanne Lafaurie, hat in same linen by Maud Roser, photo by Arik Nepo, Vogue, Paris, March 1949

Gigi Terwalgne in gala evening gown of layered rose tulle and lace by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Georges Saad, 1950

Jean Dawnay in beautiful fluid evening dress of soft white crêpe, by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1950

Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in Jeanne Lafaurie dress, Paris, photo by Irving Penn, 1950

Model in asymmetrically draped moiré dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, hat by Paulette, photo by Georges Saad, 1950

Model in black linen afternoon dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Seeberger, 1950

Model in tailored wool suit by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Skilford, 1950

Model wearing a beautiful tulle evening gown sparkling with sequins by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Vogue Studio, Vogue, Paris, April 1950

Model wearing an elegant, belted evening dress with s deep V neckline by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Skilford, Vogue, Paris, October 1950

Régine Debrise wearing a white sheath sumptiously embroidered with gold and silver covered with a coat with voluminous sleeves in gold faille by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Norman Parkinson, Vogue, Paris, April 1950

Sylvie Hirsch in beautiful white toile dress in bands of croquet by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, L'Officiel, 1950

Anne Campion in elegant brown and white check suit covered with short jacket lined in velvet by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Della Oake wearing a white wool dress under a civet ur coat by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, September 1951

Gigi Terwalgne in a black faille cocktail dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, black straw hat is adorned with yellow flowers and short black voilette by Paulette, photo by Georges Saad, 1951

Gigi Terwalgne wearing a strapless black velvet dress wrapped with black silk organza on the bodice falling in a panel on the side by Lafaurie, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, November 1951

Gigi Terwalgne wearing a wondeful dance dress of pleated gray lace over a white satin background by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Robert Randall, Vogue, Paris, July/August 1951

Jean Dawnay in elegant afternoon dress of black alpaca with assymetrical collar of white piqué, by Jeanne Lafaurie, hat by Rose Valois, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Liz Pringle in black rayon-ottoman suit by Jeanne Lafaurie, Vogue, September 1, 1951

Lucky wearing a lovely gray alpaca wool dress belted in white leather, silk bow tied on side, by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Georges Saad, 1951

Marie-Thérèse in nubby wool green and gray tweed suit, jacket has two pleats that round out the hips, by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Model in white satin evening gown by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Gene Fenn, 1951

Model wearing a frock coat, in black shaggy wool, belted, with enormous puffed sleeves and shawl collar lined with astrakhan, tilted hat also of black astrakhan by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Henry Clarke, Vogue, Paris, October 1951

Sophie Malgat in an enchanting evening gown of white tulle adorned with pale pink roses and scattered with rhinestones by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1951

Model in belted beige and white tweed dress that is button-through top to bottom by Jeanne Lafaurie, Paris Vogue, October 1952

Teresita Montez in evening coat of white broadtail decorated with crystals and falling in pleated fan shape from shoulders by André Sauzaie, dress and jewelry by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Georges Saad, 1952

Stella Tenbrook in poppy-red linen dress, bodice is crossed and held by belt. skirt has funnel-shaped pocket that holds colorful silk scarf, by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Joan Whelan in silk print afternoon dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Guy Arsac, 1953

Model in wool dress with high neckline and plunging back that can be concealed by two panels to form a cape, by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Myrtle Crawford in a 'pagoda line' printed piqué top by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1953

Jacky Mazel in a bright red jersey suit with collarless jacket worn with white scarf and self fabric toque by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Guy Arsac, 1956

Model in full skirted floral print silk dress by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Georges Saad, 1957