André laug

THE EARLY YEARS

In the formative years of André Laug's life, the seeds of creativity and passion for fashion were sown. Born into an era of transformation, Laug's early childhood was marked by an awakening to the arts, which would shape his future path.

Supermodel Barbarella wears a dress with a full skirt, puffy sleeves, and narrow waist in black tulle with pink and blue stripes, standing next to Laug dressed in white. Photo by Oliviero Toscani, ©Vogue-Condé Nast.

1949

After finishing college, Laug veered away from a career in law, against his parent’s wishes, and instead dedicated two years to teaching.

Vintage French academic report card showing attendance, conduct, and grades in various subjects, complete with teacher's notes and signatures.

Stylized illustration of a uniformed figure on horseback saluting with a sword, another figure holding a French flag, evoking a sense of historical military parade.

1956

After serving in the military in Algeria for two years he returned to Gravelines to begin work as a military instructor and then for an import-export company.

1958

At 27 years old, Laug broke into the world of fashion in Paris, encouraged by his friend, journalist Lucien François. There he presented his first works as a designer, under the label Raphaël, an atelier specialized in women’s couture with a laboratory on Avenue Georges V where just a year later Givenchy established itself. Laug’s talent brought drastic shapes to the silhouettes, which will bring him notoriety later in his career. At Raphaël, the French designer was exposed to the organizational nuances of a successful haute couture atelier.

Sketch-like illustration of a classic French street scene featuring ornate architecture and two vintage cars parked alongside the curb.