Ted Lapidus French fashion designer Date of Birth: 23.06.1929 Country: France

Biography of Ted Lapidus

Ted Lapidus, the French fashion designer, is considered the creator and pioneer of the 'unisex' style, blurring the distinction between genders. He is also credited with introducing military and safari styles to high fashion. Lapidus is known as the first designer to dare using shoulder straps and other elements of military uniform in both men's and women's clothing. Additionally, he played a significant role in elevating jeans to a prominent position in the world of high fashion.

Ted Lapidus, whose birth name is Edmond Lapidus, was born on June 23, 1929, in Paris, France. He was the son of Robert Lapidus and Cecile Guitine, Russian immigrants. Lapidus studied in Paris, Tokyo, and Marseille. As the son of a Russian immigrant tailor, he apprenticed under Christian Dior and launched his own fashion label in 1951. He gained fame in the 1960s when French celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Françoise Hardy, and Alain Delon started wearing his creations.

Lapidus proved that his influence extended far beyond France, becoming the first designer to convince the English model, actress, and singer Twiggy to wear a suit and tie instead of a mini skirt. John Lennon was also a fan of Ted's works, known for their high quality and eccentricity. In 1969, Lennon asked the French couturier to design a leather bag featuring a series of fourteen erotic lithographs. This bag, named 'Bag One,' was limited to only 300 copies and became an exclusive handmade accessory with unique features such as zippers, handles, locks, and, of course, Lennon's autograph. Lapidus also created a white safari suit for Lennon, which can be seen on the cover of The Beatles' 12th album, 'Abbey Road.'

In the late 1970s, when the demand for high fashion declined, Lapidus' label began producing fashionable accessories. In 1989, Ted's son, Oliver Lapidus, who enjoyed blending historicism with futurism, took over the leadership of the brand. Since 2000, the 'Ted Lapidus' brand has become known primarily for its fashionable luxury watches and perfumes. Interestingly, the first fragrance was born out of a collaboration with L'Oreal in 1970.

Ted Lapidus personally curated the music for his fashion shows, going beyond conventions with his charisma and powerful creativity. He passed away at the age of 79 on December 29, 2008, due to pulmonary complications caused by leukemia. Lapidus was buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to the couturier, stating that Lapidus 'democratized French elegance and classicism' and 'made fashion accessible for men and women on the streets.' As Sarkozy noted, Lapidus was the 'poet of French fashion.'

Edmond 'Ted' Lapidus was married twice and left behind two sons, Olivier and Thomas, and a daughter, Eloise.