“By first dazzling her daughter, little by little, she will dazzle the world”- Louise de Vilmorin
Lanvin is a French luxury fashion house, founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889 when she opened her first hat shop in Paris. Jeanne’s daughter was her muse, and after designing and creating clothes for her, other mothers requested garments for their own children too. By 1909, there was enough demand for her designs that Jeanne Lanvin opened her Young Ladies and Womens Department, where mothers and daughters could shop together for Lanvin clothing. In the same year, Lanvin joined Syndicat de la Couture, becoming an official couturière. From 1915, Lanvin expanded worldwide, as well as widening their range to encompass menswear, furs, lingerie and sportswear. In 1924, Lanvin Perfumes was created, later developing Arpège, a fragrance which remains a classic still today. Jeanne Lanvin died peacefully in 1946, and since her death many designers have continued her brand’s reputation for elegance and excellence. One of the oldest French fashion houses in operation today, Fosun International now owns the company, with Bruno Sialelli as Creative Director since 2019.
With collections of ready-to-wear for women and men, plus bags and shoes, Lanvin is described as ‘the epitome of feminine French chic’. Sialelli provides a modern outlook on Lanvin’s stunning silhouettes, incorporating the founder’s signature glamour in many pieces, whilst adding beautiful prints and flowing lines. Exceptional tailoring remains prominent today, achieving a contemporary take on unquestionable classics. The Parisian style at the heart of Lanvin is still clear through sophisticated cuts seen in dresses, shirts and trousers of luxurious materials. Modern twists through artsy graphics on sweaters and t-shirts illustrate the meeting of the old with the new. Though wearable, Lanvin designs look smart and considered.
Lanvin has stores in many cities, including London, Paris and Shanghai. Lanvin designs can also be found online through their own website, as well as through Farfetch, Harrods and Flannels.