The Last Queen of Paris: Comtesse Jacqueline de Ribes
Today marks the 86th birthday of who Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani once called "The Last Queen of Paris": Countess Jacqueline de Ribes. Comtesse de Ribes is a French aristocrat, muse, Couture Diva and client and member of the International best Dressed List since 1962.
Jacqueline de Ribes by Richard Avedon, 1955
Jacqueline Bonnin de La Bonninière de Beaumont was born in Paris in 1929. In 1948, she married Vicomte de Ribes--a successful banker--who subsequently became compte (count) de Ribes. She quickly became the muse to many photographers--including Richard Avedon and Irving Penn--as well as fashion designers from Yves Saint Laurent, Guy Laroche to Valentino during the 50's and 60's. She was also a Grande Dame of Paris Society attending many a Masked Ball.
One Shoulder Diva: Jacqueline de Ribes
In 1983, she even launched her own Pret-a-Porter line and all her multimillionaire society friends--from Nancy Reagan, Nan Kempner to Marie-Helene de Rothschild...they were all clients.
Jacqueline de Ribes with friends (and clients) Nancy Reagan and Marie-Helene de Rothschild
Her line of expensive and super chic day, cocktail and evening gowns, were carried in all the top boutiques and department stores around the world including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus to name a few. Due to health problems, she closed the doors on her eponymous line in 1994.
Pouf Queen: Jacqueline de Ribes making an entrance, as always.
Since I can remember, as a young boy dreaming of becoming a fashion designer, I remember looking at photos of Madame de Ribes in my mom's "Hola" magazines when I grew up in Venezuela and thinking "That is A DIVA!" and so, naturally from then on, she was one of my "Dream" Muses; when I drew sketches of fabulous women in my designs, Jacqueline de Ribes was naturally, one of the Fab women wearing them...in my fantasies!
Le Met Diva: "Jacqueline de Ribes: the Art of Style" Upcoming Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
And this upcoming November, the Couture Diva herself, will be the subject of a Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Exhibition devoted entirely to her at the Anna Wintour Costume Institute Galleries entitled "Jacqueline de Ribes: The Art of Style". It will run from November 19, 2015-February 21, 2016 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City. The exhibition will show 60 examples from de Ribes personal wardrobe of Haute Coutute and Ready-to-Wear. I hope to make it by my birthday next year in February (crossed fingers!). Here are more photo examples of one of the most Elegant Style Icons of the last century...
Cocktail Hour: Jacqueline de Ribes circa 1953 (left) and 1957 (right)
Chiffon Countess: Jacqueline de Ribes in Jean Dessès Haute Couture, 1956
Muse and Couture Client of Yves Saint Laurent-------------------------------------------------------------
Yves Saint Laurent with muse and client Jacqueline de Ribes
Jacqueline de Ribes in Christian Dior Haute Couture by Yves Saint Laurent
Jacqueline de Ribes in Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent Dior peach silk satin "Ibis" gown from Longue Ligne Collection, 1959
Jacqueline de Ribes in Christian Dior Haute Couture by Yves Saint Laurent dress, 1957
JDR also loved a great Costume Ball...especially if it involved a FABULOUS headdress-----------
Mongol Couture Diva: Dressed in mink, satin and jewels for a Costume Ball, Jacqueline de Ribes
Jacqueline de Ribes (top left) with Aristotle Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor
Jacqueline de Ribes in Courreges vinyl and plastic Haute Couture, Black and White Ball 1966
JDR loved a Fab Caftan-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caftan Queen: Jacqueline de Ribes loved this great multi colored silk caftan ...and wore it throughout the decades. PS: I would too!!!
Haute Friends--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Le Smoking: Jacqueline de Ribes with Carla Bruni, 1991
Party Girls: Jacqueline de Ribes with (L to R) model/Chanel muse Ines de la Fressange, Paloma Picasso and Karl Lagerfeld, 1986
Digestif Time: Jacqueline de Ribes with socialite and fellow fashion icon, Mexico-born Gloria Guinness, Chateau de Versailles, 1973
Couture Gossip Queens: (L to R) Style icons and socialites Nan Kempner, Fran Stark--wife of Ray Stark "Funny Girl" producer--and Jacqueline de Ribes
Madame de Ribes Now--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacqueline de Ribes in 2012
Jacqueline de Ribes with Valentino and Pierre Berge, 2012
Jacqueline de Ribes, 2012
Jacqueline de Ribes, in 2010 receiving the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor at the Elysee Palace Paris from then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy
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