Klein

Roland Klein (1938). French designer. Though originally from Rouen, Klein has been called the ‘grandfather’ of British fashion, given his four-decades long career in London. After studying at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de Couture de Paris in 1955-1957, Klein worked at both Dior, then for two years as Karl Lagerfeld‘s assistant at Patou, before moving to London in the swinging 1960s. He joined Marcel Fenez, then a top ready-to-wear line, and eventually became general manager. He launched his own line in 1973, and his own shop in Chelsea in 1979. He is known for his understated eveningwear, and his designs were often worn by Princess Diana. He designed the uniforms worn by British Airways stewardesses from 1985 to 1992.