Lanvin

Summary

Lanvin is one of the oldest and most prestigious French fashion houses, renowned for its refined craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and innovative approach to luxury. Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, the brand initially gained prominence for its exquisite womenswear, later expanding into menswear, accessories, and fragrances. Over the decades, Lanvin has maintained its status as a symbol of Parisian sophistication, evolving under various creative directors while staying true to its heritage. Today, it continues to be a key player in global fashion, effortlessly combining brand heritage with contemporary design.

Origin and History

Lanvin was founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, a visionary milliner and dressmaker whose impeccable craftsmanship and artistic flair quickly set her apart in the competitive Paris fashion scene. What began as a small hat shop on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré soon expanded into a full-fledged fashion house, catering to Parisian elites and royalty. Jeanne Lanvin’s unique designs, characterised by intricate embroidery, delicate fabrics, and pastel hues, gained widespread acclaim, particularly her mother-daughter ensembles, which pioneered the concept of coordinated fashion.

By the 1920s, Lanvin had diversified its offerings to include menswear, lingerie, and interior design, further solidifying its reputation as a luxury lifestyle brand. The introduction of Arpège, a now-iconic perfume created in 1927, marked the brand’s successful entry into the fragrance market. Under Jeanne Lanvin’s leadership, the house became synonymous with sophistication, catering to an exclusive clientele who appreciated its refined aesthetic.

Following Jeanne Lanvin’s passing in 1946, the brand remained under family control for several decades before transitioning to external ownership. The latter half of the 20th century saw fluctuating fortunes as Lanvin struggled to retain its prestige amid changing fashion trends. However, in 2001, the appointment of Alber Elbaz as creative director revitalised the house, ushering in a new era of modern femininity and artistic expression. Elbaz’s designs, known for their fluid silhouettes, impeccable tailoring, and luxurious embellishments, restored Lanvin’s relevance and secured its place among the world’s top fashion brands.

Throughout the 21st century, Lanvin underwent several ownership changes. In 2001, Taiwanese media conglomerate Shaw-Lan Wang acquired a controlling stake in the brand, providing financial stability while allowing Elbaz creative freedom. However, after Elbaz’s departure in 2015, Lanvin faced creative uncertainty, with multiple designers struggling to uphold the brand’s legacy. In 2018, the house was acquired by Fosun International, a Chinese multinational group, marking a new chapter in its global expansion strategy.

Lanvin has collaborated with various brands and designers, blending its classic aesthetic with modern influences. Notable partnerships include collaborations with H&M in 2010, which brought Lanvin’s luxurious designs to a broader audience, and projects with brands such as Acne Studios and Gallery Dept., which infused streetwear elements into its traditional craftsmanship. These collaborations reinforced Lanvin’s ability to adapt to contemporary fashion while staying true to its Parisian roots.

In recent years, the brand has embraced a more youthful, edgy approach under the creative direction of Bruno Sialelli, who was appointed in 2019. Sialelli introduced playful motifs, vibrant prints, and gender-fluid silhouettes, appealing to a new generation of fashion consumers. While staying rooted in Lanvin’s heritage of elegance, the brand continues to evolve, balancing innovation with classic sophistication.

The luxury fashion brand was recently in the news for its critically acclaimed menswear collection showcased at Paris Fashion Week Homme AW 2025. Held on the last day of Paris Fashion Week, Artistic Director Peter Copping, former Creative Director at Nina Ricci and Oscar de la Renta, debuted for the legendary brand with men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections in a co-ed show.

Vision

Jeanne Lanvin’s vision for her fashion house was rooted in an unwavering dedication to elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation. She sought to create garments that transcended fleeting trends, focusing instead on timeless beauty, luxurious fabrics, and intricate detailing. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Lanvin was not merely a designer but an artist, drawing inspiration from fine art, travel, and historical influences. Her designs were celebrated for their delicate embroidery, romantic silhouettes, and soft pastel colour palettes, which became a hallmark of the brand. She envisioned Lanvin as more than just a fashion house—it was an expression of refined sophistication, catering to women who desired clothing that embodied grace and femininity.

Beyond aesthetics, Jeanne Lanvin was a true pioneer in the fashion industry, introducing the concept of a complete lifestyle brand. Her vision extended far beyond womenswear, leading her to expand into children’s clothing, menswear, home décor, and fragrances—a revolutionary approach at the time. She was among the first designers to recognise the power of branding and diversification, ensuring that the Lanvin name became synonymous with luxury and impeccable quality across multiple domains. This forward-thinking mindset allowed the house to evolve continuously, maintaining its relevance while staying true to its original ethos.

At the heart of Jeanne Lanvin’s vision was a deep sense of personal connection—fashion, for her, was an intimate art form that reflected emotions, relationships, and individuality. Her most iconic creations were inspired by her love for her daughter, Marguerite, leading her to design exquisite mother-daughter ensembles that captured the essence of familial bonds. This personal touch set Lanvin apart from other luxury brands and remains an integral part of its identity today. Jeanne Lanvin’s vision was not simply about creating garments; it was about weaving stories, emotions, and artistry into fashion, ensuring that her legacy would endure for generations.

Mission Statement

Lanvin’s mission is to create exquisite, innovative, and timeless designs that embody the essence of French luxury. Through a dedication to superior craftsmanship, artistic expression, and contemporary relevance, the brand seeks to inspire and empower individuals through fashion. With a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural relevance, luxury fashion brand Lanvin aims to bridge the gap between heritage and modern design. By fostering creativity and upholding the highest standards of quality, the Maison continues to redefine elegance for future generations.

Products and Services

Lanvin offers an extensive range of luxury fashion products, encompassing women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, haute couture, footwear, handbags, accessories, and fragrances. The luxury fashion brand’s hallmark is its craftsmanship, with designs that effortlessly combine heritage design with modern innovation. Lanvin’s womenswear collections are renowned for their fluid silhouettes, intricate drapery, and delicate embroidery, staying true to the romantic aesthetic Jeanne Lanvin envisioned. The menswear line, introduced in the 1920s and later modernised under Alber Elbaz and Lucas Ossendrijver, features tailored suits, streetwear-inspired pieces, and a balance of structured and relaxed styles. Additionally, Lanvin’s leather goods and Curb sneakers enjoy cult status, reflecting the brand’s ability to adapt to evolving fashion trends.

Throughout its history, Lanvin has produced several iconic collections that have defined different eras of fashion. One of the most celebrated is the 1920s Robe de Style, a departure from the restrictive silhouettes of the time. This collection, inspired by 18th-century fashion, featured full skirts, intricate embroidery, and luxurious fabrics, cementing Lanvin’s reputation as a leader in haute couture. Decades later, under Alber Elbaz’s tenure (2001–2015), Lanvin experienced a creative renaissance with his signature draped dresses, voluminous silhouettes, and feminine yet powerful tailoring. His 2006 and 2010 collections, featuring fluid gowns and statement embellishments, remain some of the most beloved in the brand’s modern history. The 2010 collaboration with H&M further showcased Lanvin’s design prowess, making its high-fashion aesthetic accessible to a global audience.

In recent years, Lanvin has embraced a more youthful and experimental approach while preserving its heritage of luxury. Under Bruno Sialelli’s creative direction (2019–2023), the brand introduced playful, eclectic elements, such as bold prints, asymmetrical tailoring, and streetwear influences, appealing to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. One of the most notable collections during this period was Spring Summer 2021, which combined historical references with contemporary motifs, blending Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy with modern digital-age aesthetics. Today, Lanvin continues to innovate, seamlessly merging timeless Parisian sophistication with forward-thinking design, ensuring its place as a leading force in global luxury fashion.

Awards and Recognition

Lanvin is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious heritage luxury fashion houses, celebrated for its timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the oldest French couture house still in operation, it holds a revered place in fashion history. Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, the brand quickly became synonymous with refined artistry, pioneering intricate hand embroidery, fluid silhouettes, and the iconic Lanvin Blue. Its enduring legacy is reflected in its ability to balance tradition with modernity. Lanvin’s influence extends beyond haute couture into luxury ready-to-wear, leather goods, and fragrance. Over the years, it has been worn by royalty, Hollywood icons, and modern trendsetters, reinforcing its position as a true symbol of luxury and heritage in global fashion.

Throughout its history, Lanvin has received numerous awards, solidifying its status as a leading luxury brand. Jeanne Lanvin herself was inducted into the French Legion of Honour in 1926, recognising her contributions to the fashion industry. Her innovative approach to design and business set the foundation for the brand’s enduring success. More recently, under the leadership of Alber Elbaz, Lanvin garnered critical acclaim, earning awards such as the Fashion Group International’s Superstar Award and recognitions for Best Designer of the Year. The maison’s ability to consistently reinvent itself while maintaining its heritage has cemented its reputation as a timeless yet forward-thinking fashion brand.

Board Members and Designations

• Joann Cheng – Chairwoman and CEO (Lanvin Group)
• Eric Chan – Chief Operating Officer
• Bruno Sialelli – Creative Director (2019–2023)
• Peter Copping – Artistic Director (2024–Present)
• Sidney Toledano – Advisory Board Member
• Andrew Wu – Board Member

References

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