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Founded in 1889 at 22, Rue du Faubourg Saint
Honoré by Jeanne Lanvin (Paris 1867 - 1946), Lanvin is the oldest
Parisian fashion house.
From Haute couture (1909) to men's
fashion (1926), decoration (1920), and perfumes ("My Sin" in 1925,
"Arpège" 1927), the young milliner became the Ambassador of French
elegance; transforming her hat and clothing workshops into a veritable
fashion empire.
Jeanne Lanvin drew inspiration from her only
child; Marguerite (later known as Marie-Blanche de Polignac, a talented
opera singer). Marguerite succeeded her mother in 1946 and remained in
charge until her death in 1958.
The delicately gilded figure on
the spherical Arpège perfume bottle depicting Jeanne Lanvin and her
daughter going to a ball has remained the symbol of this motherly love.
It became the House logo in 1954.
The Lanvin blue came to life
through Madame's spontaneous enthusiasm for a Fra Angelico painting.
Along with the motifs created by Armand-Albert Rateau, Jeanne Lanvin's
decorator and partner, Lanvin created a distinctive image which remains
to this day.
Jeanne Lanvin's successors include Antonio del
Castillo, Dominique Morlotti, Jules-François Crahay, Maryll Lanvin,
Claude Montana and Patrick Lavoix. Their work has successfully
immortalized a very Parisian, elegant couture style.
Since 1993, the House has focused on luxury ready-to-wear and accessories as well as perfumes. |