Leïla Menchari (Arabic: ليلى المنشاري; 27 September 1927 – 4 April 2020) was a Tunisian designer and decorator.[2]
Leïla Menchari | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 September 1927[1] |
| Died | 4 April 2020 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | Tunisian |
| Occupation(s) | Designer Decorator |
Biography
editMenchari was born in Tunis in 1927.[3] Her father was a lawyer and her mother, Habiba Menchari, was known for her lectures on female empowerment. As a teenager, she met Jean and Violet Henson, who introduced Menchari to horticulture and helped her meet artists such as Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, Christian Bérard, and Serge Lifar.[4] In 1943, she entered the Tunis Institute of Fine Arts, and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in 1948.[5]
In Paris, Menchari met Azzedine Alaïa.[6] She also met Guy Laroche, who helped her become a star model. However, Menchari quit Laroche's business following the death of her mother and became the decorator for Hermès International headquarters on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. She worked for Hermès as a decorator for over fifty years. She also designed gloves, bags, and clothing, including a coat worn by actress María Félix. Her other responsibilities including supervising the factoring of glass manufacturer Saint-Louis.[7]
Leïla Menchari died on 4 April 2020 in Paris, France, due to COVID-19.[8]
Exposition
edit- Hermès à tire-d'aile - les mondes de Leïla Menchari (2017, Grand Palais, Paris)
References
edit- ^ Friedman, Vanessa (6 April 2020). "Leïla Menchari, Who Turned Store Windows Into Art, Dies at 93". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ^ "Décès de la grande artiste tunisienne Leila Menchari". FemmesMaghrebines.com (in French). 5 April 2020.
- ^ "Leïla Menchari, dessinez-moi vos rêves". France Culture (in French). 9 December 2018.
- ^ "Leïla Menchari, des terres tunisiennes à l'apparat des vitrines Hermès". Libération (in French). 15 December 2017.
- ^ "Leïla Menchari, magicienne en chef". Le Monde (in French). 28 November 2008.
- ^ "Leïla Menchari". Jeune Afrique (in French). 3 June 2010.
- ^ "Sur les pas de Leïla Menchari, artiste, féministe et "reine mage" d'Hermès". TV5Monde (in French). 1 December 2017.
- ^ "Leïla Menchari, la fée des vitrines Hermès s'en est allée". Libération (in French). 5 April 2020.