Carmen Valentine was born on 22 May 1924 to Jeanne Marie Louise née de Launoit and Cyril Edward Asquith, relative of H. H. Asquith. Carmen Valentine lived in Brussels before moving to England at the age of 3. She spoke French before learning English.

Carmen Valentine served in the Women’s Royal Air Force and received a medal for her services during WWII. Thereafter, she lived in London’s fashionable Mayfair and went on to become a debutante and a fashion model. Her love of Brussels, the French language, and the beauty of France, and Provence in particular, stayed with her until her death December 2015, aged 90.

Carmen Valentine was a beautiful woman; classic, elegant and stylish. She loved the finer things in life and her love and adoration of Chocolat was one of the pleasures she enjoyed throughout her life. The Carmen Valentine brand has been created in her memory and honour by her nephew Simon Lavarack and his wife Louise. The brand will include Cashmere, Leather Handbags, Calissons and lifestyle products.