Nina Ricci Couture

After building an exclusive and  loyal clientele for 24 years at The House of Raffin, Nina Ricci entered the couture fashion world in 1932 when she and her son Robert founded The House of Ricci.

Nina Ricci was the figurehead of the soon to be successful couture salon while Robert attended to the business aspect.

Rose Pink illustration by Christian Berard for The House of Ricci Fragrance Coeur-Joie
Nina Ricci Coeur-Joie Perfume
Launched 1947
Christian Bérard Illustration

The House of Ricci built on their early successes with the highest quality of designs, fabrics, and workmanship while undercutting the better known Parisian designers. She secured her clientele's loyalty by extending a gentile and discreet design experience.

With Ricci's preference to attend to every detail herself The House had increased the number of their employees to 450 by 1939 and was recognized as dressing more women than any other label in Paris.

The Ricci's first fragrance, Coeur-Joie, was launched in 1947 featuring a crystal Lalique bottle and an advertising campaign drawn by Christian Bérard.

Introduced in 1948, The House of Ricci's next fragrance, L'Air du Temps, with its crystal intertwined doves, became their iconic signature perfume.

Nina Ricci Cocktail Dress 1954
Robert Perrier Silk
Maurice Petit Photograph
Choosing to step back from the day to day arduous design regimen, Nina Ricci allowed her assistant, Jules-François Crahay to succeed her as Artistic Director.  His 1959 collection, named "Crocus," offered an elongated and sophisticated silhouette. It was a triumphant success.

Suit with leopard trim by Nina Ricci 1954 Photo by Maurice Petit
Nina Ricci 1954
Photograph by Maurice Petit

The House went on to develop their Mademoiselle Ricci line composed of demi-couture models that foreshadowed their ready-to-wear brands.

Nina Ricci Ad for Polka Dot Chiffon Suit
Chanel Suit Ad
Henry Clarke Photograph 1957

Ad for Nina Rici gown for L Art et la Mode Photo by Jacques Decaux
Nina Ricci for L Art et la Mode  Sept. 1959
 Photo by Jacques Decaux

Advertisement featuring model in Nina Ricci suit
Nina Ricci
Philippe Pottier Photograph
Armand Hallenstein Woolens

Designer Gérard Pipart succeeded Crahay in 1964. He remained with The House of Ricci for three decades, celebrating the flamboyant woman and enjoying a loyal following among the most stylish women of the era.

Nina Ricci died in 1970 at the age of 87. Robert died in 1988.

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