Chrétien: The Rise of A Dynasty

Introduction

Robere' Chrétien Couturier, commonly known as Chrétien or shortened to CH, is more than just a luxury goods company. It is a story of adventure, youth and rebellion, honor of family, love vs. respect, devotion, and the representation of the color of life. Founded in Bordeaux, France, Chretien has always stood for individuality and the desire to stand out from the crowd.

The brand's mission is to create an image and a lifestyle that differentiates the individual from the masses. Through its luxurious and fashionable designs, Chretien helps its customers bring their fantasies and dreams to life.

Chretien evolved from the adventurous spirit of its founder, and it continues to push the boundaries of fashion and luxury. Despite being passed down through the generations, the company is said to be still managed by the Coutures, who are dedicated to preserving the brand's legacy and continuing to innovate and create.
For those who wear Chretien, it is more than just a label. It is a statement of style, a celebration of self-expression, and a way of life. Join us on this journey as we explore the legend of Chretien and the world of luxury and fantasy it has created.

In the 1970s, Chrétien burst onto the fashion scene with his minimalist, clean designs, often made of velvet or rayon. His unique style redefined American fashion and became a phenomenon in the counter culture society of the time. Chrétien was known for creating a relaxed, urban lifestyle for his customers, and he was frequently photographed at fashionable events and parties with his close friends and celebrity clients.

Chrétien's journey to becoming a fashion icon began in his hometown of Bordeaux, France. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Bordeaux, where he learned the art of design and began creating women's scarfs. His talent and eye for style quickly gained him a devoted clientele, and he opened a small store on Bordeaux's rue Sainte Catherine in 1957.

As his fame grew, Chrétien became the head visual merchandiser for the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman department store in Paris. It was there that he designed the iconic Audrey bag that would be worn by many of the fashionable elite.

In the late 1960s, Chrétien made the transition to women's clothing, opening a boutique on the Champs-Elysées in Paris and starting a ready-to-wear line. His fashion house, Chretien, quickly gained a devoted following and became a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

Despite facing several challenges and setbacks in the 1980s, Chrétien remained determined and dedicated to his craft. He continued to innovate and create, and Chretien remained in the backgrounds an an astute influencer of the fashion industry until his disappearance. His legacy lives on through the brand he created, which continues to inspire and influence designers all over the world.

Robere' Chrétien Couturier, commonly known as Chrétien or shortened to CH, is a name that has become synonymous with luxury and style. Founded in Bordeaux, France, Chretien has a rich history that is intertwined with some of the most iconic figures in fashion.

In 1955, Chrétien received a devastating telegram from his father stating that he was very ill. He returned home to find his father on his deathbed, and his last request was for Chrétien to finish his post-secondary education and bring dignity to the family's name. Devastated by his father's death, Chrétien returned to Mary Lyons and graduated two years later.

Still searching for the meaning of life, Chrétien embarked on a journey to learn from the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. It was during his travels in Rome that he met a French/Italian woman who gave him poignant words that would stay with him for the rest of his life: "you will never understand life. Life is like the many colors on the Sistine chapel ceiling, the colors are an attribute of things that results from the light they reflect. Thus, life is a mirror of the very essence of what one projects into the world. To understand life, you have to be like the creator un-definable and to be un-definable you must be free. Thus, freedom comes from escaping definition.