Charles Jourdan

Charles Jourdan, French designer, was born in France in 1883. He trained as a shoemaker, and in 1919 he began designing shoes independently. During the 1930s, became the first shoe designer to advertise in fashion magazines. In 1947, Jourdan's three sons, Rene, Charles, and Roland, joined the company.

1959 brought about a contract to design shoes under the Christian Dior label, Charles Jourdan had started to be more and more considered in the world of haute couture. Then in the 70’s the house of Charles Jourdan added accessories like luxurious watches and women’s wear. Photographer, Guy Bourdin, was responsible for shooting their add campaigns during this time. Charles Jourdan died in 1976, but the design house continued to be run by Charle's family until his son Roland retired in 1981.

The house of Jourdan has continued to the present, being led in its designs by such noted names as Andre Perugia, Roger Vivier, and Patrick Cox, and presently has Josephus Thimister as its head designer. Charles Jourdan has begun its first menswear line in the 1980s. Charles Jourdan's brand is well known all over the world for the perfect balance of fashion, good taste, style and quality. Charles Jourdan was a favourite designer of fashion icons such as Brigitte Bardot and Princess Diana.

Charles Jourdan products have met with great success in the market for over 20 years. Charles Jourdan watches are known for their fine craftsmanship and an avant-garde image. Jourdan's watches collections have focused on presenting a few classic styles in a wide variety of colours, so as to accessorize with any outfit.