Everyone knows that Parisian couture is historically the fashion to emulate. It has been this way for literally hundreds of years and it will probably still be ‘the fashion capital’ for the next several hundred years, and even beyond. Out of this amazing backdrop, comes the house of Lanvin. From humble beginnings as an apprentice milliner, Jeanne Lanvin quickly rose up through the ranks to be one of the leading fashion designers in Paris.
Today, Lanvin designs a line of high-end fashions, jewellery and accessories, including their trendy selection of sunglasses. It would be impossible to separate the brand from the woman who started it all, so here is a historical perspective in order to become better acquainted with the Lanvin tradition.
The Early Years
Young Jeanne began working in the world of fashion as a young teenager. Her first duties were to deliver hats to the elite of Paris and as she didn’t like spending money travelling on the coach, she would run behind it! Frugal from that very young age, she continued to save throughout her eventual apprenticeship. At the age of 22, in 1869, she founded her own fashion shop on the corner of rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré and rue du Boissy d’Anglas where she immediately established her presence in the world of high fashion.
A Brief Timeline
From Lanvin’s humble beginnings in 1869 through today, it is possible to trace the history of the brand and how new additions gained Lanvin even greater recognition in the world of fashion.
- 1867 – Jeanne Lanvin is born
- 1869 – Lanvin opens her first establishment
- 1897 – Her inspiration for a children’s line is born, daughter Marguerite
- 1908 – Children’s department opens
- 1911 – Bridal gowns added to her collection
- 1915 – Lanvin has showing at San Francisco World Fair
- 1926 – Custom menswear created
- 1946 – Founder Jeanne Lanvin dies at 79
- 2001 – House of Lanvin sold to Mrs. Shaw Lan Wang, philanthropist and business woman
- 2013 – Celebration of 125 years of Lanvin fashion
The above are just a few of the highlights but throughout those years, Lanvin branched out into fragrances and accessories as well. With a brand as old and distinguished as Lanvin, it would be virtually impossible to indicate all the milestones in company history, but her progression from hats to high end fashions for men, women and children speaks for itself in a city as prestigious as Paris.
Sunglasses and the Lanvin Line
For the better part of the last 75 years, sunglasses have been a hot selling item. Increasing numbers of designers have entered the market and the competition is fierce. Although Jeanne is no longer at the helm and the company has sold a couple of times, world-class designers still create the most amazing fashions such as the now famous, and much in demand, snakeskin cat eye sunglasses.
When speaking of such famous design houses as Lanvin, it is important to note that each and every design is created by some of the best the industry has to offer. As a result, you are looking at high end prices. If you happen to find any sales, customer rewards or discounts, jump on those rare occasions. Owning anything created by Lanvin is a real honour and one that you can treasure for years to come.
