THE 1920’S

Jeanne Lanvin & Jean Patou

Fashion of

the 1920’S

Jeanne Lanvin1867-1946

The Life of Jeanne Lanvin• Jeanne Lanvin was born in Paris, France in 1867. At the age of 16, she became an milliner, or a

person who makes hats, for Madame Felix, in order to help support her 10 siblings. Soon after she trained at Talbot, a French dressmaker. In 1889 she opened her own hat shop on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, which is famous street in Paris known for being the most fashionable street in the world due to all the high fashion shops.

• Lanvin married her first husband, Count Emilio de Pietro in 1895 and gave birth to daughter Mauguerite, most commonly known as Marie, two years later. She then got a divorce and married Xavier Melet. When Marie was young teenager Lanvin started to make clothes for her. The clothes were so beautiful wealthy families started to privately order clothing for their own children. She then started to design outfits for their mothers and became widely known for her mother-daughter outfits.

• She also opened shops focusing on menswear, home décor, lingerie and furs. Lanvin also opened her own die factory in Nanterre. Lanvin branched off into interior design and created a line of home decorations. Lanvin then came out with leisurewear lines and swimwear. She is considered the first couturier to dress the entire family. In 1925 she created her first perfume, My Sin. Her most significant expansion of business was her perfume company, Lanvin Parfums SA, where she created many popular and signature fragrances.

• Lanvin was one of the most influential designers of the 20s and 30s, and still inspires designers, such as Dior today. Her designs can be recognized by her intricate trimmings, fancy embroideries, and an abundance of beads.

Jeanne Lanvin Designs

Jean Patou1880-1936

The Life of Jean Patou• Jean Patou was born in August of 1880 in Normandy, France. Growing up

he worked with his uncle in their family business of tanning and furs. At 20 years old he decided to move to Paris to attempt to become a couturier. Two years later, he opened a small dressmaking salon called Marison Parry. In 1914, an American buyer purchased his entire collection. World War II interrupted his work and he became a Captain in war.

• In 1919, he reopened his fashion house. He became known for opposing the flapper look by lengthening skirts and designing sportswear for women. He is known for his work in swimwear, and the creation of the tennis skirt. He is also recognized for making the cardigan popular, and leaning towards the “natural and comfortable” look. He also created the first designer tie, where men ties were made out of woman's fabric. Another creation was the first sun tan lotion.

• In the 1930s his fashion line crashed along with the stock market. Fortunately, his perfume company survived and is still in business today.

Jean Patou Designs

Jeanne Lanvin Video

• http://www.nytimes.com/video/style/1248069307209/an-interview-with-alber-elbaz.html

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cVIRXpIsgE&edufilter=UCHz6YlvsfA_cFLx1sbx_6VA

Jean Patou Video