Top Designers To Watch: Part 2By Reine Gammo [Ladies Fashion]
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Want to know a little bit more about the fashion industry? Reine Gammo gives you a brief fashion history lesson.  Lanvin The oldest fashion house still in operation, Lanvin was founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin. She was making such beautiful dresses for her daughter that they caught the attention of the rich and famous in Europe, who began requesting copies of the dresses for themselves and their children. In 1909, Lanvin gained her official title of couturiere by joining the Syndicat de la Couture. Her use of intricate details and masterful embroidery and beads in light colours and floral patterns made Lanvin one of the most influential designers of the late 1920s and 30s and cemented her trademark, signature designs in fashion history. Ownership of the company has moved quite a lot since Jeanne’s death in 1946. It was even owned by the Vuitton family at some point and is currently the property of a Taiwanese media tycoon. Alber Elbaz took over all creative activities in 2001 and debuted his first collection for Fall in 2002. The house’s logo is a mother and daughter, and the love between them moves the design for this fashion house. The designs are nonchalant yet controlled, while still incorporating the elements that Jeanne Lanvin was famous for. Comme des Garçons A Japanese label with a French name, translated to “like the boys,” is headed and solely owned by Rei Kawakubo. Kawakubo was never formally trained as a designer, but studied fine art and literature at the prestigious Kei University in Tokyo. She began her work in the fashion industry as a stylist, started her business in 1973 and opened her first boutique in 1975. Comme des Garçons’ designs are anti-fashion, featuring deconstructed garments and a colour palette as ascetic as black, dark grey and white. The clothes often feature draping and unfinished edges that are often frayed and distressed, with many designs featuring asymmetric shapes. Her innovative designs were inspirational for many designers, including two of the Antwerp Six (Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester). Comme des Garçons has womenswear, menswear, swimwear and perfume lines and continues to create innovative, anti-trend designs. |
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