Shop Lanvin shoes

Lanvin Shoes

Founded in 1889 at 22, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore by Jeanne Lanvin (Paris 1867 - 1946), Lanvin Shoes is the oldest Parisian fashion house.

From Haute couture (1909) to men's fashion (1926), decoration (1920), and perfumes ("My Sin" in 1925, "Arpege" 1927), the young milliner became the Ambassador of French elegance; transforming her hat and clothing workshops into a veritable fashion empire.

Jeanne Lanvin drew inspiration from her only child; Marguerite (later known as Marie-Blanche de Polignac, a talented opera singer). Marguerite succeeded her mother in 1946 and remained in charge until her death in 1958.

The delicately gilded figure on the spherical Arpege perfume bottle depicting Lanvin Shoes and her daughter going to a ball has remained the symbol of this motherly love. It became the House logo in 1954.

The Lanvin Shoes blue came to life through Madame's spontaneous enthusiasm for a Fra Angelico painting. Along with the motifs created by Armand-Albert Rateau, Jeanne Lanvin's decorator and partner, Lanvin created a distinctive image which remains to this day.

Lanvin Shoe's successors include Antonio del Castillo, Dominique Morlotti, Jules-Francois Crahay, Maryll Lanvin, Claude Montana and Patrick Lavoix. Their work has successfully immortalised a very Parisian, elegant couture style.

Since 1993, the House has focused on luxury ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories as well as perfumes. Dominique Morlotti has designed Men's ready-to-wear since 1992. However, a new addition, Christina Ortiz, designs the women's ready-to-wear collection since Autumn/Winter 1998/99.

Biography available at www.infomat.com/whoswho/jeannelanvin.html