Ted Lapidus is a French fashion designer, creator of streetwear and unisex style. He founded his own fashion house, besides sewing clothes, he was engaged in perfumery and accessories.
Youth
Ted (real name Edmond) was born in 1929 in Paris. His parents were poor Jewish immigrants from Russia. The boy's father was a tailor, but as a child, Ted was absolutely not attracted to the sewing craft.
Despite the difficulties with money, Lapidus received a good education. He studied in Marseille and Annecy and then entered the Technical School in Tokyo. After returning to Paris, he applied to the medical university, but did not study there for long. Suddenly the young man realized that his calling was completely different. Ted completed an internship at Christian Dior's fashion house, after which he started working as a cutter at the Paris Club.
Successful career
In 1951, Lapidus decided to open his own business. In this endeavor, he was greatly supported by his friends - the famous chansonnier Charles Aznavour, brother Bernard and his wife Claudia. The reputation of an excellent cutter also helped. In 1963, the fashion designer gained recognition by becoming a member of the Paris haute couture syndicate.
Lapidus decided not to limit himself to sales only through his own boutique. Following the example of Pierre Cardin, he began to cooperate with large department stores, concluding contracts with them for the supply of clothing collections. Ted preferred to create unusual things that could be worn by both men and women. It is he who is considered the pioneer of the "unisex" style. Ted fashioned safari clothes, models in the spirit of the military, he himself chose the music for the catwalk, turning fashion shows into small performances.
Among Lapidus' clients were real stars. He released a collectible bag with a personal autograph of John Lennon, as well as the famous white musician costume, in which he is captured on the cover of one of the albums. The list of favorite customers of Lapidus included Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon. In 1970, the designer released the first fragrance, which he named after himself. The perfumery line has increased the possibilities of the home and significantly increased the profitability of the enterprise.
Lapidus's brilliant career was hampered only by health problems. The fashion designer suffered from the effects of leukemia and lung problems. He was forced to leave the business to his son and go to the hospital for a long time. The talented designer died in 2008 and was buried in the Pere Lachaise cemetery.
Personal life
The famous fashion designer has been married twice. The first wife was the actress Veronique Zuber, the owner of the honorary titles "Miss Paris" and "Miss France". Three children were born in the marriage: sons Olivier and Thomas and daughter Eloise.
Olivier Lapidus followed in his father's footsteps and also became a fashion designer. When Ted was 53 years old, he retired, transferring the management of the House to Olivier. Tom managed to develop and expand the business, focusing on clothing, accessories and perfumery.
