Dear Shaded Viewers,
Jean-Claude Jitrois, a visionary French fashion designer born in 1944, has led a multifaceted life that seamlessly blends psychology, art, and haute couture. His journey from psychomotor therapist to renowned leather couturier is a testament to his innovative spirit and keen understanding of human nature.
Jitrois’s autobiography, “Ma peau se souvient” (My Skin Remembers), offers an intimate look into his extraordinary life and career. The book, released on the heels of his 80th birthday, chronicles his sentimental education, his resistance to bourgeois conventions, and his rise in the world of fashion.
Illustrated with numerous photo archives, it intertwines his personal narrative with that of his tribe and the vibrant cultural landscape of the late 20th century.
Born as Jean-Claude Coste, Jitrois spent his early years in Aix-en-Provence before moving to Paris at 18 to study child psychomotricity. His background in psychology would later inform his unique approach to fashion design. In 1976, after a distinguished career as a psychomotor therapist and professor, Jitrois opened his first boutique in Nice, marking the beginning of his fashion empire.
Jitrois revolutionized the fashion industry in the 1990s with his innovative “stretch leather” technique, which transformed leather from a rigid material associated with rebellion into a sophisticated, form-fitting fabric. This groundbreaking approach catapulted him to international fame and earned him the moniker “The King of Leather.”
His creations include machine-washable stretch leather jeans and vibrant, colorful leather pieces that challenge conventional notions of leather fashion. He is also known for transforming leather into glamorous evening wear and creating unique stage outfits for a host of celebrities. Throughout his career, Jitrois has dressed numerous celebrities and become a favorite among the elite, particularly in Monaco. His designs, known for their sophistication and sensuality, have adorned figures from Brigitte Bardot to FKA Twigs.
“Ma peau se souvient” not only details Jitrois’s professional achievements but also delves into his personal life and the cultural zeitgeist of his era. The book explores his experiences with the global jet set, the baroque effervescence of high society, and the dark hours of the AIDS crisis.
It provides a vivid portrait of a man who has consistently pushed boundaries in both his personal life and his creative endeavors.In recognition of his contributions to the fashion industry and the promotion of France worldwide, Jitrois was awarded the Légion d’Honneur in 2002 and later received the insignia of Officier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012.
As a personal note, I am thrilled to have a photo of us together included in the book. This moment took place when Jean-Claude invited me to the Venice Film Festival to attend the screening of our friend Julien Landais’s film, The Aspern Papers, which was showcased on the occasion of Vanessa Redgrave receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2018 Venice Film Festival. It was a beautiful experience that I will always cherish.
Jitrois’s autobiography is more than just a fashion memoir; it’s a reflection on the transformative power of clothing and the intimate relationship between skin, leather, and identity. As he approaches his 80 th birthday, Jean-Claude Jitrois continues to inspire with his visionary designs and his enduring love for leather and freedom.
Later,
Diane
