The most beautiful love stories in French fashion

If fashion holds a special place in the hearts of our favorite French designers, it is hardly the one whispering sweet nothings in their ears or sharing a romantic dinner with them (although, who knows?). Whether they were their muse, partner, assistant, investor, or simply their moral support, companions played a crucial role in the careers of the great names in French fashion, even if they often remained in the shadows. On this love-filled day when romance is on everyone’s lips, let’s take a look back at the power couples who, with their combined efforts, infused love into legendary made-in-France collections.

Coco Chanel and Boy Capel

The first union that gave birth to one of the greatest French fashion houses was that of Coco Chanel and Boy Capel. Though Coco Chanel epitomized the strong, independent woman and completely revolutionized women's fashion by integrating elements from men's wardrobes to provide more freedom of movement, her relationships played a crucial role throughout her career. She actually began her career with the help of Etienne Balsan, a cavalry officer and racehorse breeder whom she met in a café in Moulins, where she performed in shows every night. Through Balsan, she was introduced to Capel, an English businessman and polo player. She began borrowing from his wardrobe, attracting the attention of the English, who were captivated by this young Frenchwoman and her impeccable style. Convinced of her talent, Boy Capel provided the necessary funds to acquire a space worthy of her ambitions. Thus, in 1910, she welcomed clients at 21 Rue Cambon, in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, under the sign “Chanel Modes.” Though their story ended tragically with Capel’s death in a terrible accident, he will forever be remembered as someone who helped shape the legendary Rue Cambon boutique.

Cristóbal Balenciaga and Wladzio d'Attainville

If you have seen the Cristóbal Balenciaga series (available on Disney+), which traces the designer’s career, you likely already know how significant yet heartbreaking the relationship between Balenciaga and Franco-Polish milliner Wladzio d'Attainville was. Although their connection was always portrayed as strictly professional to the public, d'Attainville was actually the great love of the Spanish designer, who struggled with his homosexuality, seeing it as a flaw until the end of his life. Acting as his right-hand man, advisor, and hidden companion, d’Attainville greatly contributed to Balenciaga’s success by completing Cristóbal’s creations with refined hats, making all the difference. While they formed a balanced duo—Cristóbal’s fiery temperament contrasting with Wladzio’s composed nature—fate ultimately separated them in 1948, when d’Attainville died suddenly of a heart attack. Until his final days, Cristóbal Balenciaga lived his love in secrecy, carrying the shame inflicted by the taunts and bullying he endured as a young boy in Guetaria.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé

Another story just as beautiful as it is heartbreaking (though fortunately, this time without a premature death): that of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. In 1958, just after presenting his first collection for the house of Christian Dior—which he had inherited after Dior’s sudden death from a heart attack (so, maybe we did stretch the truth about the “no premature deaths” part)—Yves Saint Laurent met Pierre Bergé at a dinner. From their very first encounter, both quickly realized that this story was meant to last. When Saint Laurent was dismissed from Dior, the two decided to join forces and create the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house together. Yves took care of the creative side, while Pierre handled business. But their shared passions extended beyond fashion: their love for art and opera led them to amass a remarkable private collection, which was auctioned off in 2009 after the designer’s passing (documented in the book Lettres à Yves, an epistolary novel by Bergé dedicated to his late partner). Together, they also acquired the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, which visitors can still admire today. Despite the highs and lows, infidelities, and the fact that Saint Laurent spent his final years struggling with deep depression, alcohol, and drug abuse, Bergé remained the great love of his life.

André and Coqueline Courrèges

This couple may have been quieter than the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Jacques de Bascher, but their story is just as deserving of recognition. Coqueline Courrèges (born Jacqueline Barrière) met her future husband André Courrèges through fashion: in the studio of Cristóbal Balenciaga. A few years later, they opened their own couture house at 48 Avenue Kléber, under the name André Courrèges, where Coqueline became the brand’s “creative complement.” Though she let her husband take the spotlight, she remained actively involved by his side. As the co-pilot of the brand, she embodied the Courrèges woman like no other—with her short hair, unconventional style, modernity, and unique dynamism. After the brand was acquired by a Japanese group, while André Courrèges devoted himself to painting and sculpture, Coqueline Courrèges took over Courrèges Design and Courrèges Parfums from 1995 to 2010. After that, she stepped away from the brand entirely to dedicate herself to protecting the intellectual and moral rights of her husband’s legacy.

Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer

We end with a more recent couple, who, in recent years, have continuously made headlines with their boundary-pushing and innovative runway shows: the duo behind Coperni, Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer. Their story began at Modart International, where Sébastien studied Fashion Design & Pattern Making, while Arnaud specialized in Fashion Management. The two quickly became friends, and their friendship eventually blossomed into something more. With experience at prestigious fashion houses like Balenciaga and Chanel, they decided to launch their own luxury brand, which they named Coperni in tribute to astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. At just 25 years old, they became the artistic directors of Courrèges, temporarily putting their own brand on hold. However, they resumed Coperni in 2019, with Sébastien as the creative director and Arnaud handling business and marketing. After the viral spray-on dress on Bella Hadid, the 99% air bag, their Disneyland runway show, and their upcoming LAN party-themed fashion show, this power couple has truly found their place in the industry.