Michèle Lamy, born in Jura, France, on February 5, 1944, is a renowned creative force whose influence spans fashion, art, music, and performance. Instantly recognizable for her gold teeth, tattooed fingers, and avant-garde style, Lamy has built a reputation as a muse, collaborator, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. As the creative partner and wife of designer Rick Owens, she has helped shape some of the most innovative projects in contemporary fashion and art.

Profile Summary

Early Life and Education

Lamy grew up in the French Jura mountains in a family with Algerian roots. Her grandfather’s work with legendary couturier Paul Poiret introduced her to the world of fashion at a young age.

She attended the University of Paris, where she studied law and was influenced by the teachings of philosopher Gilles Deleuze. The social and political upheaval of the late 1960s in France deeply impacted her worldview and creative ambitions.

Career

Michèle Lamy began her professional journey in France, where she worked as a defense lawyer in Paris. At the same time, she explored her creative side by performing as a cabaret dancer, blending intellectual pursuits with artistic expression.

This unique combination of interests set the stage for her future endeavors.

In the late 1970s, Lamy moved to Los Angeles. There, she launched her own clothing line called Lamy in 1984, which marked her entry into the fashion industry. During this period, she hired Rick Owens, who would later become her partner in both business and life.

Lamy also became known for running popular venues such as Café des Artistes and Les Deux Cafés, which quickly became gathering spots for artists, musicians, and celebrities in Hollywood.

After relocating to Paris with Rick Owens in the early 2000s, Lamy co-founded Owenscorp, the company behind the Rick Owens brand. She took on a leading role in developing the company’s furniture line and managing special art projects.

Lamy also created “Lamyland,” a series of immersive art and cultural installations that have appeared at major events and exhibitions around the world.

In addition to her work in fashion and art, she has been involved in music, forming the band LAVASCAR and collaborating with various contemporary artists.

Her recent projects include co-founding the CIRCA Prize with Björk to support emerging artists globally.

Throughout her career, Michèle Lamy has been recognized for her ability to bridge different creative fields, always bringing a distinctive and unconventional approach to everything she does.

Personal Life

Lamy was first married to filmmaker Richard Newton, with whom she has a daughter, Scarlett Rouge, now an artist.

She has been Rick Owens’s creative and life partner since the mid-1990s; the couple married in 2006 and divide their time between Paris, Los Angeles, and Italy.

Lamy’s distinctive appearance—her tattoos, jewelry, and gold teeth—reflects her commitment to individuality and self-expression.

Net Worth

Michèle Lamy’s estimated net worth ranges from $5 million to $15 million, stemming from her significant role in Owenscorp, her ventures in art and design, and various business interests.

Awards and Recognitions

• Named to the Business of Fashion “BoF 500” list of global industry leaders
• Served as a judge for the International Woolmark Prize (2022)
• President of the jury at the ASVOFF 13 fashion film festival (2021)
• Presenter at the British Fashion Awards, including the 2024 Cultural Innovator Award to A$AP Rocky
• Regular speaker at industry events such as BoF VOICES

Michèle Lamy remains a boundary-breaking visionary, continually reinventing herself and inspiring others across the worlds of fashion, art, and culture.