Lanvin

The House of Lanvin evolved from the creative force and remarkable energy of an extraordinary woman, Jeanne Lanvin. The design career of Madame Lanvin survived fifty-six successful and productive years. Lanvin is the oldest surviving couture house in near-continuous existence, from 1909 through the present day. Her body of work includes, millinery, childrenswear, haute couture, fragrances, furs, lingerie, menswear, and interior design among others. The continuous public appeal and the youthful image of these couture creations are noteworthy aspects of Madame Lanvin's career.

Included in this book are fashion editorial images from the beginning of Lanvin's career through 1946, the year of her death. Images of original fashion illustrations and beading and embroidery swatches play a crucial role in demonstrating the intricate, creative, and innovative techniques used by Jeanne Lanvin for her surface embellishments. Images of Lanvin artifacts, acquired from various museums and collections, serve to document the importance of Lanvin design and aesthetic in the world of art and design.

The house of Lanvin is currently experiencing a period of great notoriety, emerging as a darling of the press, Hollywood, and the larger fashion community. With the most modern of efforts, Alber Elbaz, the current Design Director, is drawing from the rich Lanvin tradition to create an award-winning collection that at once evokes, reveres and reinvents the intentions of its founder.

Harold Koda, Curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a noted authority on 20th century couture, will write the Foreword. An additional essay by Alber Elbaz, the current Design Director of Lanvin, will add insight to his thoughts on Madame Lanvin, his design aesthetic, and theories and directions for the continued success of Lanvin.