Background
Farhi is the daughter of Sephardic Jews from Turkey. She was born in France.
Farhi is the daughter of Sephardic Jews from Turkey. She was born in France.
Farhi started her career as a freelancer in Paris, before moving to London in the 1970s. 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. In 1982, Marks assisted Farhi in launching an eponymous Nicole Farhi higher-end fashion label within the French Connection group.
The label opened shops worldwide, as well as restaurants in London and New New York
But the non-United Kingdom locations have since closed. On 15 March 2010, French Connection announced the sale of the brand and retail chains to OpenGate Capital for up to £5 million.
Administrators Zolfo Cooper were appointed on 3 July 2013, to advise on sale or restructuring of the remaining five United Kingdom shops and associated retail outlets located within Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Selfridges.
In 2007, Farhi was appointed an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and, in 2010, she was awarded the Legion of Honour. 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.
