Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to be a model for famous designers like Christian Dior? Well… French model, France Gheys, shares her story as a couture model for Dior with The Australian Women’s Weekly back in 1959.
We all dream of swanning around in gorgeous 1950s Dior gowns (I know I do!), and France got to do just that after meeting the designer himself.
“My little girl,” he said, “what are you waiting for?”
“I would like to see M. Dior,” I told him.
He did not tell me who he was. He said, “Well, yes. One moment. You will see him.” And he walked away.
It was this meeting that led to her being personally chosen and trained by Dior.
I was a little gauche and timid. But it must have worked out, because I am still with Dior. Now I have been there the longest of all the mannequins.
France was Dior’s favourite ‘mannequin’ and she goes on to describe some of her modelling experiences.
When they fitted the first dress on me, I wanted to run away. The atmosphere was overwhelming.
Dior was there with his stick (he used a long stick to point out what he wished done to a dress) and about 40 other people: vendeuses, premieres (workroom tailors), and others.
First of all, Dior (now, of course, it is Saint-Laurent) designs the dress and a toile is made. That is the dress in the white cotton fabric.
Dior was very enthusiastic—or he was not. Always he knew very definitely whether he liked a dress or not. The fault could be in the material (too rich or not rich enough), in the style of the embroideries, the set of the collar, the pockets, the sleeves, the too bouffant or too slim skirt.
Imagine working with both Dior and Saint-Laurent?! *faints* But wait! There’s more! France also modelled before a princess!
Just before I came to Australia, Saint-Laurent took the collection to England for a charity showing at Blenheim Palace before Princess Margaret, who is very tiny and pretty.
I wore the last dress in the collection. It was called “England” and was all white and gold.
I’m sure France’s life wasn’t 100% glamorous but… it’s quite a wonderful glance at a 1950s model’s life, don’t you think?
Wow, this is really fascinating! I cannot imagine what it was like to have that experience. Pretty amazing! Love these vintage photos.
Hi Lisa and thanks for stopping by! It really is fascinating isn’t it? It’s the type of story vintage dreams are made of! Especially the photo of her with Dior. :)