About Jean Patou
Fashion designer and world-famous perfumer Jean Patou got his start in 1880. Born in Normandy, the handsome Frenchman worked briefly in his father's leather tannery before joining his uncle's fur trade business. It was this family business that helped Jean break into the fashion industry. He opened his first dressmaking business in Paris in 1910, but the foray was short-lived. He went on to establish another Parisian dressmaking business in 1912. Called Maison Parry, the upscale tailors sold both dresses and furs. Jean created his own collection in 1914, but was interrupted by the war and joined the Zovares regiment in its fight against the French Foreign Legion. When he returned in 1919, he promptly opened the House of Patou, where he showcased his first couture collection.
