With a rich history spanning 130 years, Lanvin is the oldest ‘Maison de la Haute Couture’ remaining today. The luxurious Italian brand stands out for its unique combination of inventiveness, surprise and intricate detailing, evoking the pioneering spirit and genius of its founder, Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946).
Not only was Madame Jeanne Lanvin the first designer to present a women’s collection and children’s fashion line in 1908, she was also the first couture entrepreneur to blend an eau de toilette. She offered a made-to-measure collection for men and even designed a furniture line – Lanvin Décoration – thus establishing an iconic empire of fashion, fragrances and lifestyle.
Today, it’s Bruno Sialelli who directs all creative activity at Lanvin. He joined the house in January 2019, and designs collections for both women and men. Working side by side with Mr Sialelli is Massimiliano Maccanti, Vice President, Design and Product Development at Marchon Eyewear.
mivision caught up with Mr Maccanti to find out more.
Q. How would you describe a Lanvin customer?
The Lanvin brand appeals to a wide audience, across generations and genders. Lanvin aficionados are mostly very sophisticated customers, who understand fashion for its intrinsic creativity. They are coming for the high quality – which is pre-requisite for a house like Lanvin – and for the creative vision of Lanvin Creative Director Bruno Sialelli.
Q. What inspired you to become an eyewear designer and how did you start working with Lanvin?
I live in Italy where fashion and accessories, such as eyewear and shoes, are the most important businesses. I was always interested in the fashion industry and decided to study design. During my schooling I became intrigued by the craftsmanship and attention to detail needed to create an eyewear frame. I decided to pursue this area of design and am thrilled to work in this fascinating and unique industry.
I started to work with Lanvin Creative Director Bruno Sialelli in 2018, creating the first four eyewear frames for the runway show. Then, we went ‘all in’ with the launch of the new Lanvin eyewear collection, which includes a full assortment of 20 optical and 21 sun styles.
Q. Where do you seek inspiration?
Much of the inspiration for Lanvin eyewear comes directly from the Maison’s archive. In keeping with the ethos of the Lanvin brand and its rich history, our collection is timeless, sophisticated and captivating. Throughout the collection you will see recognisable logos and symbols that speak to the brand. For example, the mother and daughter signature emblem (a reference to Madame Lanvin and her much loved daughter) became an important pillar of the collection, the arpegè element is inspired by the design of the cap of the first Lanvin fragrance, and the delicate, twisted rateau concept references the brand’s artdeco furniture designs.
Q. Is there an iconic Lanvin style?
The rateau element shown on the temples of the LNV112S embodies elegance, heritage, femininity and exquisite craftsmanship all at once. The elements that make it unique can be easily noticed looking at the execution of the end-pieces and the temples, where the sinuosity of the whole structure looks like a jewellery element.
Q. Where is Lanvin made?
Lanvin eyewear is designed and created in Italy with great attention to detail – from the use of premium, luxe materials to the development of customised hues of tortoise, which are specifically developed for the Maison.
Q. What do you think will be the new big trend in eyewear?
There’s a big trend toward the oversized look from the 1980s and 1990s. Here at Lanvin, we have several projects in progress. Our commitment is always to create Lanvin eyewear collections that reference the DNA of the brand – unique and distinctive.
Lanvin eyewear is distributed by Marchon Eyewear (AUS) 02 9697 8080