Leïla Menchari

Leïla Menchari (Arabic: ليلى المنشاري; 27 September 1927 – 4 April 2020) was a Tunisian designer and decorator.^[2]

Leïla Menchari
Born	27 September 1927[1] Tunis, French Tunisia
Died	4 April 2020(2020-04-04) (aged 92) Paris, France
Nationality	Tunisian
Occupation(s)	Designer Decorator

Biography

Menchari was born in Tunis in 1927.^[3] Her father was a lawyer and her mother, Habiba Menchari, was known for her lectures on female empowerment. As a teenager, she met Jean and Violet Henson, who introduced Menchari to horticulture and helped her meet artists such as Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, Christian Bérard, and Serge Lifar.^[4] In 1943, she entered the Tunis Institute of Fine Arts, and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in 1948.^[5]

In Paris, Menchari met Azzedine Alaïa.^[6] She also met Guy Laroche, who helped her become a star model. However, Menchari quit Laroche's business following the death of her mother and became the decorator for Hermès International headquarters on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. She worked for Hermès as a decorator for over fifty years. She also designed gloves, bags, and clothing, including a coat worn by actress María Félix. Her other responsibilities including supervising the factoring of glass manufacturer Saint-Louis.^[7]

Leïla Menchari died on 4 April 2020 in Paris, France, due to COVID-19.^[8]

Exposition

• Hermès à tire-d'aile - les mondes de Leïla Menchari (2017, Grand Palais, Paris)