Lanvin is one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world, known for its elegant and refined haute couture. The founder of Lanvin was Jeanne Lanvin, who was born in Paris in 1867. She started her career as a milliner and opened her own store in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1889. Jeanne Lanvin first designed clothes for her daughter, which aroused so much admiration that she soon received commissions from other mothers. So she began to design and sell children’s clothes, which were characterized by their playful and colorful details.
In 1909 Jeanne Lanvin was accepted into the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and began to create women’s fashions as well. She developed a distinctive style influenced by medieval, renaissance and rococo art. She used luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, lace and brocade and decorated her dresses with embroidery, pearls and feathers. She also experimented with new cuts and silhouettes that emphasized the femininity of her clients. Her creations were so successful that she soon attracted international celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich.
Jeanne Lanvin was not only a talented fashion designer, but also a skillful businesswoman. She expanded her fashion empire to include perfume, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories, menswear and interior design. She had painter Paul Iribe design a distinctive logo for her house. It shows a stylized image of her and her daughter in a circle.
Jeanne Lanvin died in 1946 at the age of 79, leaving behind a flourishing business. Her daughter Marguerite took over the management of the house and continued her mother’s tradition. She was also a gifted designer and a dedicated philanthropist
After Marguerite’s death in 1958, several designers changed Lanvin’s creative leadership, including Claude Montana, Dominique Morlotti and Alber Elbaz. Each of them brought their own vision and personality to the house, but without losing the spirit of Jeanne Lanvin. Lanvin remained one of the most prestigious brands in the fashion industry, appreciated for its timeless elegance and modern flair.
Lanvin is therefore more than just a fashion house. It is a symbol of French elegance and artistic innovation. It is a legacy of Jeanne Lanvin, who shared her passion for fashion with the world.