Jean Colonna is a French citizen born in Oran, Algeria, North Africa in 1955. He studied medicine in Aix en Provence, France, and later in 1975, he studied fashion design at the Chambre Couture School in Paris.
He worked as an assistant to Pierre Balmain from 1977 to 1979. In 1980 he formed a company making jewellery. He still collaborates with other designers, making accessories for Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
His clothing design salon was started in 1985, and his first collection was shown in Paris that same year.
Jean Colonna sets off fantasies of dark, smoky nightclubs, red light districts and motel rooms. Working with cheap synthetic fabrics he has elevated the trashy underground to the level of fashion.
He has been nicknamed the king of Paris downtown chic and also the King of Gallic Grungewear. These names do not fully describe his range as a designer.
In 1996, Jean Colonna signs a licence of exclusive distribution with Kashiyama of Japan. The following year, he arranges for Italian distribution with the firm of Gibo. In 1997, his first boutique opens in Tokyo.
For Spring 2002, there were many variations on his main looks: crushed loose black pants and tight black tops, decorated with shredded lace and fabric, strands of silver and black beads, ribbons and stitching. The young, chic who have fun are his devoted followers.