Introduction
Peter O’Brien is an Irish designer whose Paris career includes Chloé, Dior, Givenchy and Rochas. He joined Chloé in 1985 as assistant to Guy Paulin and was promoted to head of design in 1986, leading the studio during the unsettled period between Karl Lagerfeld’s first departure and Martine Sitbon’s appointment.
A beaded silk-crepe dress preserved from Spring/Summer 1986 confirms O’Brien’s collection work at Chloé. His later career continued through established Paris houses and creative leadership at Rochas, making the Chloé appointment an early institutional role rather than an isolated credit.
Design ethos
O’Brien’s documented Chloé work combines soft construction with controlled embellishment. Silk crepe and beadwork carry the surface, while the silhouette remains connected to the house’s preference for movement and an unforced evening line.
His practice developed inside ateliers and design offices rather than around a heavily publicised personal label. That background favours proportion, finish and the translation of a house vocabulary through studio work.
Disclaimer
Career history
2010
Peter O’Brien began designing an exclusive collection for Arnotts in 2010. The freelance relationship continued through 2013.
2006
Peter O’Brien began a freelance design relationship with A|wear in 2006. He produced collections for the retailer through 2009.
2003
O’Brien’s own CV ends the Rochas appointment in 2003.
1989
O’Brien assumed broad creative responsibility across womenswear and accessories, with oversight of related categories.
1988
Peter O’Brien worked as creative director for Goldin Feldman Furriers in New York from 1988 to around 1989. The short appointment immediately preceded his long creative directorship at Rochas.
1986
O’Brien advanced from assistant to head of design.
1985
Peter O’Brien joined Chloé in 1985 as Guy Paulin’s assistant and was promoted to head of design in 1986. A preserved Spring/Summer 1986 dress confirms his collection work during the rotating studio period before Martine Sitbon’s appointment.
1983
Peter O’Brien joined Givenchy in 1983 as a womenswear design assistant under Hubert de Givenchy. He remained until 1985, when he moved to Chloé.
1981
Peter O’Brien joined Christian Dior in 1981 as a design assistant in Marc Bohan’s womenswear studio. He remained until around 1983 before moving to Givenchy.
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