Ines de la Fressange

We all know the big models which are around nowadays.  But modeling has slightly changed over the years. With the introduction of social media, the word model has changed its meaning drastically. Whether that’s a good development or not, it is a separate topic but for now, let’s look at one of the pioneers of the modeling industry who had her own role in shaping some parts of the fashion world.

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Inès de La Fressange, whose real name is Inès Marie Laetitia Eglantine de Seignard de La Fressange is a beautiful and elegant woman who has mastered the art of modeling to such an extent that she was able to start her own business. 

The model was born on August 11, 1957, in Gassin. Some royal blood is circulating through the veins of this stunning model. Her father, the Marquis André de Seignard de La Fressange, an international business lawyer, comes from the former French aristocracy of the lords of La Fressange. 

She graduated from high school at 17 and right after started her modeling career without losing any time. 

And a year later, after remarkable photographs taken by Oliviero Toscani for Elle magazine, she began to work for some of the most excellent designers. One designer, who was particularly impressed with her natural elegance and class? Karl Lagerfeld! A short while later, Karl Lagerfeld offered Inès to sign an exclusive contract with the house of Chanel after he saw what a captivating model she could be on stage or screen. That was a massive accomplishment for the model, considering this was an exclusive event in French modeling history. 

The career of Inès took a meteoric rise after that. She was a hugely mediatized star as a result. However, things came crashing down when she decided to model for Marianne despite having an exclusive contract with Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld sees red, and his contract is broken despite all of their collaborations.

After wearing it, the pretty brunette decided to make fashion herself. In 1991, Inès de La Fressange created her own label and opened up a store in Paris. Her success was immediate as customers flocked from all over France and even abroad. However, Inès gradually lost her power within the company and was then finally dismissed. But this didn’t stop her involvement in the industry as she collaborated with designer Bruno Frisoni for the famous shoe brand Roger Vivier. At first, Inès was the artistic designer but then moved up to being the CEO.

The model is also committed to charitable work and supports various nonprofit organizations such as Orphanages of Africa and Mécénat Chirurgie. 

After modeling and being a businesswoman, Inès has also successfully published three books. 

On the private side, Inès de La Fressange married Italian businessman and art dealer Luigi d’Urso on June 19, 1990. The couple has two daughters: Nine and Violette. But years later, Luigi d’Urso passed away because of a heart attack. After that, Inès is now in a relationship with Denis Olivennes; he was formerly head of Fnac as well as Nouvel Obs