Lanvin (French: [lɑ̃vɛ̃]) is one of the most prestigious and historic luxury fashion houses in France, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin in Paris. It is the oldest French fashion house still in operation and remains a symbol of elegance and timeless design. Over the years, Lanvin has undergone many transformations but has continually upheld its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and a strong connection to its founder’s vision. Since 2018, Lanvin has been a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based Lanvin Group, but it continues to carry the rich legacy of its founder.
Jeanne Lanvin, born on January 1, 1867, in Paris, began her career as a milliner at the age of 16, training with some of the leading names in French fashion at the time. In 1889, she opened her first millinery shop at 16 Rue Boissy-d'Anglas, and just four years later, in 1893, she expanded her business to 22 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Over time, Jeanne's talent and reputation grew, and she soon attracted the attention of some of Europe’s wealthiest families.
In 1897, Jeanne became a mother to Marguerite, who would become her muse and inspire many of the collections that followed. Jeanne began designing clothes for her daughter, and by 1908, this led to the creation of a children's clothing line. As demand grew, Jeanne expanded to women's clothing in 1909 and officially became a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, solidifying her place as a leading couturier.
Throughout the 1920s, Jeanne Lanvin continued to innovate, expanding her empire with new divisions. In 1923, she opened a dye factory in Nanterre to produce exclusive colors for the house, further demonstrating her commitment to unique design. Lanvin Parfums was also established in 1924, and her fragrance Arpège, launched in 1927, became one of the brand’s most iconic scents. Named after an arpeggio, inspired by the sound of Marguerite playing the piano, Arpège became a symbol of Lanvin’s emotional and artistic connection to her daughter.
In addition to perfumes, Lanvin also ventured into menswear, lingerie, and furs in 1926, and established an interior design store in 1920 in collaboration with Armand-Albert Rateau. Rateau's work also extended to designing Lanvin’s iconic perfume bottle for Arpège, which remains a key part of the brand’s aesthetic to this day.
Jeanne Lanvin passed away in 1946, and her daughter, Marguerite, took over the house. However, after Marguerite’s death in 1958, the ownership passed to a cousin, Yves Lanvin. The company went through various ownership changes over the years, eventually becoming part of L'Oréal in the 1990s.
Throughout the 20th century, Lanvin experienced many shifts in leadership, with designers like Claude Montana and Orazio Versolato leading the brand in various periods. In 2001, the fashion house was purchased by the Taiwanese media magnate Wang Shaw-lan and his investor group Harmonie S.A., and in 2007, Lanvin's perfume division was sold to Interparfums.
The house began to see a resurgence in the 2010s under the leadership of Alber Elbaz, who became the artistic director in 2001 and remained a central figure until his departure in 2015. His departure was followed by a series of short-lived creative directors, including Bouchra Jarrar and Olivier Lapidus.
In 2018, Lanvin became a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Fosun International, which acquired the majority stake in the fashion house. Under the ownership of Fosun, the brand was revitalized and restructured, with a new focus on collaborations and expanding its global reach. Lanvin's new era includes initiatives like Lanvin Lab, which launched in 2023 to explore unique collaborations, starting with a collection with rapper Future.
The house's legacy is continually evolving, and in 2024, Lanvin was preparing to reveal a new creative director to lead the brand forward. With a history steeped in couture and innovation, Lanvin remains a symbol of luxury and creativity in the world of fashion.
