Schiaparelli loses its muse Farida Khelfa

By

Dominique Muret

Translated by
Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 3, 2017

Expected to attend the Hyères Festival on Friday, where she was meant to feature in the master class for Schiaparelli alongside the maison's artistic director, Bertand Guyon, there was no sign of Farida Khelfa. And for good reason, as it became clear that the fashion muse and face of the brand was no longer in her role.

Via a press release, the long-serving Schiaparelli muse confirmed her departure. "After a five year stint, where I helped with the relaunch of the house, I have decided to focus on some personal artistic projects," explained Khelfa. 

A runway star in the 1980s -- walking for Jean-Paul Gaultier, Azzedine Alaïa and Thierry Mugler, before becoming the muse of photographer, Jean-Paul Goude -- the ex-model and actress, who will celebrate her 57th birthday soon, has slipped behind the camera these last few years. As a director, Khelfa wants now to dedicate herself to her next film. 

Owner of Schiaparelli, Diego Della Valle, called upon Farida Khelfa in May 2012 to accompany the reopening of the house and "distill the overflowing energy and multi-faceted talent, at 21 place Vendôme."

The house has not yet said if it will appoint a new ambassador.