Lanvin

Lanvin, a venerable French luxury fashion house, stands as a testament to enduring elegance and creativity. Founded in 1889 by the visionary Jeanne Lanvin, it remains the oldest French fashion house still in operation. With a rich history spanning over a century, Lanvin has woven its legacy into the fabric of haute couture.

Jeanne Lanvin, a milliner by trade, embarked on her sartorial journey in Paris. In 1885, she opened her first millinery shop on the rue du Marche Saint Honore. Her talent was undeniable, and soon her creations caught the eye of the affluent. Initially designing for her daughter, Marie-Blanche de Polignac, Jeanne's clientele expanded to include mothers who sought exquisite dresses for themselves. The rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré boutique became a hub of refined fashion, where Lanvin's signature style began to flourish.

In 1909, Jeanne Lanvin joined the Syndicat de la Couture, cementing her status as a couturière. The iconic Lanvin logo, inspired by a photograph of Jeanne and her daughter in matching outfits at a ball, encapsulates their bond. It's not merely a lion or a horse; it's a mother and daughter—a logo infused with emotion.

The 1920s marked an era of expansion for Lanvin. Beyond exquisite clothing, the brand ventured into home decor, menswear, furs, and lingerie. Yet, perhaps its most significant stride was the creation of Lanvin Parfums SA in 1924. The fragrance ""My Sin,"" an animalic-aldehyde blend centered around heliotrope, captivated olfactory senses. But it was Arpège, introduced in 1927, that became Lanvin's signature scent. Inspired by the sound of her daughter practicing piano scales, Arpège resonated with timeless elegance.

When Jeanne Lanvin passed away in 1946, her daughter Marguerite assumed ownership of the house. Shared management with a cousin and a fashion-industry expert sustained the brand. Following Marie-Blanche de Polignac's childless demise in 1958, the house transitioned to a cousin named Yves Lanvin. From the mid-1960s until L'Oreal's takeover in 1996, Bernard Lanvin steered the ship.

In 2018, Lanvin became a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based Lanvin Group. The torchbearer of this storied legacy, Bruno Sialelli, took the helm as Creative Director in January 2019. His vision continues to honor Jeanne Lanvin's legacy, weaving modernity into the timeless fabric of Lanvin's heritage.

Today, Lanvin stands as a beacon of authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its global presence, headquartered in China, manages iconic brands like Sergio Rossi, Wolford, St. John Knits, and Caruso. The recent listing of Lanvin on the New York Stock Exchange underscores its enduring allure, with a transaction value of $1.3 billion. This new chapter, guided by authenticity and inclusivity, propels Lanvin into the future while celebrating its illustrious past .