WORK CITED

"Alber Elbaz - The TIME 100 - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 30 Apr. 2009 .

Barille, Elisabeth. Lanvin. New York: Assouline, 2007.

"Follow the Rules: Lucas Ossendrijver: DETAILS Article on men.style.com." Men's Fashion, Men's Clothing, Gear, GQ and Details on men.style.com. 30 Apr. 2009 .

"Meet Lucas Ossendrijver - The Moment Blog - NYTimes.com." Fashion and Design - The Moment Blog - NYTimes.com. 30 Apr. 2009 .

Merceron, Dean L. Lanvin. New York: Rizzoli, 2007.

"The New Yorker Digital Reader : Mar 16, 2009." 30 Apr. 2009 .

INTRODUCING JEANNE MARIE LANVIN

This Blog is dedicated to the oldest surviving French Fashion House, The House of Lanvin.  I want to give  readers a look  at a  Fashion House that transcends time, and give an insight into one of the greatest couturiers. Dressing the most famous names in Europe ,Jeanne Lanvin, created what is still one of the worlds  most respected  Fashion Houses.  Jeanne represented  what is effortless and beautiful,  while never forgetting her signature romantic esthetic.   The characteristics of  a Lanvin garment was to blur the visual distinction  between women and young girls.  The fashion house is still very relevant in the fashion world.  

Portrait of Jeanne Marie Lanvin

HISTORY

Eclat d'Arpege, Lanvin's original perfume 
Designs of Lanvin


At the age of 13 Jeanne started as a milliner 
Photo of mother and daughter also became the Lanvin symbol

French  fashion designer Jeanne Marie Lanvin was born in Paris on January 1, 1867.  She founded the House of Lanvin and became one of the most influential designers in the 1920’s and 30’s.  The eldest of 10 children, at the age of 13  Jeanne began earning her living.  A very determined girl, Jeanne  by the age of 15 set up her own millinery business with the backing of her first client  at 16 Rue Boissy-d’Anglas.  In 1895 she meet and married  Italian aristocrat Emilio di Pietro, and the couple had a daughter Margaret in 1897. The couple divorced in 1903, but Margaret was the apple of her mothers eye. Jeanne would design exquisite mother-daughter outfits, that caught the eye of the wealthy.  In 1909, Lanvin opened her new ladies and girls departments and became a fully fledged courtier, joining the Sydecate de Haute Couture . Jeanne employed her brothers into the work room , displaying a middle class belief  in the virtue of work.  Jeanne managed and control her image during the life, she preferred to stay in the background.  She represented the new woman of the 20th century that of a doting working mother. 

BREAKING INTO FASHION

Jeanne was involved in fashion at a very young age. From a young girl Jeanne was already an expert, but its was the stunning garments that she designed for her daughter Marguerite that really start to get her noticed.    

“She dazzaled everyone with her work, but she did it for the sake of dazzling her daughter.”

                                                                                  -Louise De Vilmorin

                                                                                    Novalist and client Jeanne Lanvin

      

Little Marguerite was said to have the most incredible wardrobe for a child.

Jeanne believed in high  precision skill learning over time. She believe that modern clothes need to have a romantic feel. Her garments fitted close to the body, some high waisted like those of the second empire or long sleeves and shawl  reminiscent of the 15th century. 

Little by little a fashion empire was established that included sporting clothes, furs, men’s wear, and interior decor.  In 1925 Lanvin ateliers employed more than 800  hundred people. 

SIGNATURE STYLE

Lanvin fashion illustration

My sketch of a Lanvin illustration

Each  collection had  300 looks with each client buying about 30 looks.  There were gold buttoned blazers, black coats with fringe, sleeveless dresses shirred around the hem, and embroidery was a staple.  The  charm of the clothes, quality, workmanship, attention to detail and the choice of color became the essence of Lanvin.   Her garments had a romantic style , Her flounced skirts and cartridge pleats  were key in  many collections. She enjoyed full skirted silhouettes. She was known for the robe de style trough the 20s.

“For  many years now, those who have seen my collection have always been eager to define a Lanvin style. I know it is often discussed, never the least I have never limited myself to a particular kind of clothing and have never sought to emphasize a specific style.

Jeanne Lanvin, Vogue. 1945

INSPIRATION

My fashion illustration of one of Lanvins signature mother daughter looks 


Redon painting

Lanvins daugter Marguerite Marie Blanche Pietre meant the world to her and was her muse.  Jeanne was also inspired by   symbolist painter Redon, had a profound influence on Madame Lanvin.  

TODAY

My fashion illustration of an Lanvin runway look, designed by Elbaz

Fashion illustration by Elbaz

Portrait of Alber Elbaz current designer of Lavin

Modern  Lanvin, resurrected in 2002 , by  Alber  Elbaz for womens, followed by the re-launch of Lanvin menswear in 2006 by Lucas Ossendrijver still captures the hearts of the fashion world.  Elbaz manages to touch on the house signature styles while still being innovative. The house remains true to fabric exploration and romantic silhouettes.  

CONCLUSION

Jeanne Lanvin credited a fashion empire that still stand s strong today.  Lanvin's career lasted over 56 years which were all succesful.  A women of few words, Jeannes work spoke for itself.  Jeanne Lanvin will always be remembered as one of the pioneeers of the fashion industry as we now know it.  Lanvin headquartes remains in its origanail location the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, Paris.