1920s Lanvin gown
Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign
Sarah Jessica Parker in Lanvin
Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
The high fashion house of Lanvin was founded by couturiere Jeanne Lanvin, a prominent designer of the early 20th century. Her designs were first noticed when she created garments for her daughter, which captured the attention of many wealthy Parisian women who requested copies for their own children and then for themselves. It was Lanvin's use of embroideries, beading and fancy trimmings on floral-coloured garments which gave the label its signature style. Lanvin also opened stores specialising in menswear, furs, lingerie and interior decorating, but it was the expansion into fragrances in 1927 that proved to be the greatest success. Since Jeanne Lanvin's death in 1946, the house has had many different owners and designers, but most noteably is now headed by Alber Elbaz.