French company founded in 1958.
Today, it is managed by Mr. Akira Inoue, President.
It all began in 1958 when Jacques Leonard asked Daniel Tribouillard to start a new company: Leonard Fashion. A man of artistic temperament, Daniel Tribouillard set out to differentiate the brand in Haute Couture. In 1960, he launched a revolutionary new process for printing English weaves, that were very fashionable at the time but said to be “unprintable”. His clients were won over and the bold young man was applauded across the globe. In just a few years, encouraged by the success of his much-loved floral prints, Daniel Tribouillard brought the Leonard brand to the world. He developed his style by adopting the orchid as an emblem: a delicate wild flower “without geometric limits”. Indeed, Leonard’s originality is founded on a unique and recognizable style shared by all of its designs – and also, the fabrics used.
In 1968, Daniel Tribouillard presented his first collection of printed silk jersey dresses with a slogan emphasizing the lightness of the fabric: “The Leonard Dress: 150g of happiness”.
In the early 70s, the House diversified its production (perfumes, ties, silk scarves…) and created its own distribution network. The years went by, innovations and inventions came one after the other and shaped the brands reputation. In 1994, the House of Leonard joined the French ‘Féderation de la Couture’ and performed its first fashion show at the Carrousel du Louvre.
Leonard’s reputation spread quickly beyond the frontiers of France and Europe to the world, particularly Asia. In 1970, Leonard joined the prestigious Comité Colbert, which promotes the French “art de vivre” internationally.