Lanvin, Jeanne

(1867-1946)

   As a young girl, Lanvin worked as a milliner. After the birth of her daughter, she was inspired to design childrenswear. She later added a womenswear collection and thus her couture business began. Lanvin had numerous boutiques throughout Europe, as well as in Spain and Buenos Aires. Known for exquisite beading and embellishments as well as her signature color, Lanvin blue, she is also credited with the dress design known as the robe de style, a silhouette that was flattering on all figure types. The Lanvin name employed 800 people by 1925. In 1926, Lanvin began to create menswear and was the first couture house to design for all members of the family. Lanvin is the oldest couture house still in existence.

   See also Haute Couture.