Nicole Farhi

Farhi is the daughter of Sephardic Jews from Turkey. She was born in France.[5]

Farhi started her career as a freelancer in Paris, before moving to London in the 1970s.[6]

In 1978, Farhi was employed by Stephen Marks on his French Connection label, to head up the company’s design studio in Bow, East London.[7]

In 1982, Marks assisted Farhi in launching an eponymous Nicole Farhi higher-end fashion label within the French Connection group.[7] The label opened shops worldwide, as well as restaurants in London and New York City; but the non-UK locations have since closed.[8]

On 15 March 2010, French Connection announced the sale of the brand and retail chains to OpenGate Capital for up to £5 million.[9][10] Administrators Zolfo Cooper were appointed on 3 July 2013, to advise on sale or restructuring of the remaining five UK shops and associated retail outlets located within Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Selfridges.[11]

Farhi and Marks' professional relationship resulted in a personal relationship, and the couple had a daughter, Candice Marks,[5][12] before separating. Farhi married British playwright David Hare in 1992.[13]

She is a cousin of the writer and human rights campaigner Moris Farhi.[14]

In 2007, Farhi was appointed an honorary CBE, and, in 2010, she was awarded the Legion of Honour.[15][16]

In February 2007, Farhi was a signatory to the declaration of the Independent Jewish Voices, a new Jewish network, calling for an open and critical debate on Israel and criticising certain Jewish organisations' unconditional support of Israel.[17]

• Official website
• Nicole Farhi at FMD
• Nicole Farhi on IMDb