Jeanne Lanvin

Jeanne Lanvin SA is a revered name in the luxury fashion industry, known for its sophisticated and timeless designs. The company, which owns the brand Lanvin, stands as the oldest French fashion house still in operation, a testament to its enduring legacy and influence.

The story of Lanvin began in 1889 when Jeanne Lanvin, a visionary designer and entrepreneur, opened her first millinery shop in Paris. Her exceptional talent quickly drew a discerning clientele, and by 1909, Lanvin had expanded her business to include clothing for mothers and daughters, marking her transition from milliner to full-fledged couturière.

Lanvin's designs were characterized by their exquisite craftsmanship, innovative use of color, and intricate embroidery, which set them apart in the world of haute couture. The brand's logo, inspired by a photograph of Jeanne Lanvin with her daughter, symbolizes the intimate bond between mother and child, a theme that has been central to the house's identity.

Over the years, Lanvin has diversified its offerings to include menswear, home decor, and, notably, fragrances. In 1924, Lanvin Parfums SA was established, and the brand's signature fragrance, Arpège, was launched in 1927, inspired by the sound of Jeanne Lanvin's daughter practicing her piano scales.

Following Jeanne Lanvin's death in 1946, the company continued to thrive under the leadership of her daughter and subsequent family members. In the mid-1960s, Bernard Lanvin took the helm, steering the brand through the latter half of the 20th century.

In recent years, Lanvin has undergone significant changes, including a takeover by L'Oreal in 1996 and, more recently, becoming a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based Lanvin Group in 2018. Despite these changes, the brand has remained faithful to its heritage, with a commitment to luxury and quality that Jeanne Lanvin herself would have recognized.

Today, Lanvin continues to be a major player in the fashion industry, with Bruno Sialelli as its Creative Director since January 2019. Under his direction, Lanvin maintains its status as a bastion of Parisian elegance, offering apparel, accessories, perfume, and jewelry that embody the sophistication and innovation that have been the brand's hallmarks for over a century.