The name Jacques Lagrange is widely known in the international world of fashion design and this year he celebrates an illustrious 30 years in the fashion industry.
On top of that, this tour de force of the fashion world is a humble man with his roots deeply embedded in Paarl.
Nowadays if an actress or social butterfly has not yet worn one of Lagrange’s outfits they can only feel like an outcast in the circles in which they like to move.
He has dressed the likes of Tracey Lange, Tammy-Anne Fortuin, Cindy Nell, Margaret Gardener, Rolene Struass, Jo-Ann Strauss, Terry Pheto, Nomzamo and Thembi Seete (to name just a few).
He prefers not to mention the names of the international stars who have already flaunted his outfits for professional reasons.
Lagrange is a former learner of both Gymnasium Primary and High School. At high school already he showed much talent as an art student and also became the first boy in the school’s history to take sewing and home economics as subjects.
In fact, already at the tender age of eight it was clear he had an eye for beautiful things and especially clothes.
“I always told my mother what worked and what didn’t work for her. The first dress I ever designed and made was at school for my sister. Before that I made dresses for her doll.
“My first paying client, for whom I made a dress, was from Malmesbury. I was only 16. She was very satisfied and placed another order.
“After that I made quite a few matric graduation dresses.”
Lagrange qualified in fashion design from the South African Academy of Clothing and Technology.
His talent was quickly noticed and he became the personal assistant of legendary South African couturier Errol Arendz, for whom he worked for more than six years.
He gained further knowledge in Paris before returning to Cape Town, where he started his own line, Jacques Lagrange Couture.
And so this Paarlite’s career and renown expanded – and exploded, so to speak.
Today he is so active and sought-after in the fashion world that he visits up to three continents in one week, for 80% of his clients live abroad – in Dubai, New York, London and Paris.
Lagrange says it is rewarding for him to dress a woman.
“I like elegant women. This is exactly whom I dress . . . a beautiful woman, no matter her shape or personality – someone who enjoys life and is happy with the look I have offered her.”
His unique designs are constantly inspired by the beautiful things in life around him.
Lagrange has already reached soaring heights at his relatively young age.
And, he says, it was certainly also a highlight to work for Arendz.
“Then you grow and something else becomes a highlight. I have to say, showing internationally, in Moscow and New York, is a huge highlight for me.
“My loyal customers who have supported me for almost 30 years are a highlight in my eyes. Having clients for so long and then inheriting their daughters and even some granddaughters as clients is a big milestone.
“After all, fashion is just a business – something I love every day, for 18 years.”
Lagrange also ploughs back into the community and does a lot of charity work.
He is currently busy with arrangements for a charity golf day with glamorous personalities for early next year.
He has also been involved with Reach for a Dream and other children’s welfare organisations where he presented fashion shows.
And in between his very busy career and jet skiing, Lagrange still finds time to visit his mother Emmerentia in Paarl.
Jacques will becoming home to celebrate his 30 years in the industry with a glamorous black tie event which will be held in conjunction with Paarl Gimnasiums Alumni Council at Paarl Town Hall on 6 October. The proceeds of this will go to the Herberg Childrens home and Gimnasium Alumni Student.
For enquiries email: JLG@paarlgim.co.za
