Y A S M I N A COUTURE : Draping Culture in Couture by Yasmina Chellali

Date: November 8th 2025
Location: Paris, France

YASMINA COUTURE is the iconic fashion house founded by Yasmina Chellali, a pioneering Algerian designer who revolutionized North African haute couture by blending traditional craftsmanship with Parisian elegance

Who Is Yasmina Chellali?

Algerian fashion designer Yasmina Chellali in Paris in March 2023

Yasmina Chellali is widely regarded as the “First Lady of Algerian Fashion”, with a career spanning over six decades.

Born in Bologhine, a suburb of Algiers, she discovered her passion for textiles and color at a young age. Her journey began in Paris, where she trained at the prestigious Jacques Esterel fashion house, contributing to designs like Brigitte Bardot’s iconic pink gingham wedding dress.

After Algeria’s independence in 1963, she returned to Algiers and founded the country’s first haute couture house, marking the birth of YASMINA COUTURE.

Her mission: to elevate traditional Algerian garments—like the karakou, gandoura, and burnous—into modern, wearable art.

YASMINA CHELLALI- The soul of Algerian couture – Yasmina Modeling for Esrterel

The Essence of YASMINA COUTURE

YASMINA CHELLALI- The soul of Algerian couture …

Yasmina Chellali: Algeria’s First Haute Couture Designer

Born in Bologhine, a suburb of Algiers, Yasmina Chellali discovered her passion for fashion early, inspired by the vibrant textiles of local markets.
She trained in Paris at the renowned Jacques Esterel fashion house, where she contributed to iconic designs like Brigitte Bardot’s pink gingham wedding dress.
After Algeria’s independence in 1963, she returned to Algiers and founded the country’s first haute couture house, under the brand YASMINA COUTURE.

YASMINA COUTURE is known for:

Modernizing traditional Algerian attire with refined cuts, luxurious fabrics, and intricate embroidery
Celebrating feminine identity through flowing silhouettes and symbolic motifs
Bridging cultures, merging Maghrebi heritage with Parisian sophistication

Her creations are often described as timeless, poetic, and deeply rooted in identity, making them popular among brides, diplomats, and cultural icons.

Legacy and Recognition

Yasmina Chellali has been honored as the doyenne of Algerian fashion, with exhibitions and fashion shows in Paris, including at the Institut du Monde Arabe.
At 84 years old, she remains active, mentoring young designers and continuing to showcase her work internationally.
Her story is one of resilience, elegance, and cultural pride, from post-colonial Algeria to the runways of Paris.