Jeanne Lanvin was born January 1, 1867. Lanvin the eldest of 11 children. At age 16 she was a apprentice milliner and dressmaker. In 1889, she was set up as a milliner at 22 rue du Faubourg St.-Honore, 75008 Paris, France. In 1895, Lanvin married her first husband, Count Emilio diPietro and later gave birth to her only child, Marguerite. Lanvin designed such beautiful clothes for her daughter that it began to attract the attention of a number of wealthy people who wanted the same for their own children. Lanvin than became known for her mother daughter outfits. Lanvin did not drape or sketch, but gave verbal instruction to the sketchers. Lanvin will always be one of the most influential designers of the 1920’s and 30’s. Her skillful use of intricate trimmings, expert embroideries and beaded adornment became her trademark. After Lanvin’s death her family continued the business.
Jeanne Lanvin started with only children's and women's clothing. Later men’s clothing and fragrances were adapted, and after the designers death furs and accessories were brought in by the new designers.
Lanvin was a company built on ultra feminine clothing. It was always recognized for the embroidery and beading. After a period of decline at the end of the twentieth century, Lanvin found new success with the 2001 arrival of designer AlberElbaz (shown in picture). Elbaz has innate sense of what women want and has incorporated this into his designs. He has brought back what Lanvin was originally about and put his own edge on the collections.
Over all Lanvin has kept a theme of femininity. The designs shown on the left are Jeanne Lanvin’s original designs. Elbaz’s design on the right are from his fall collection in 2005. Both designs resemble the masculine touch yet fierce and sexy look for a women.
Vintage Lanvin consisted of mother daughter outfits and suited women from 1890 till 1950. The Lanvin after took new flight consisting of a more edgy and ferocious turn in fashion. Today the name Lanvin still carries its understanding of women but drives for what women want in this era. They want sexy, bold, sophisticated, and to be noticed.