Special Designer Report

Lanvin

Established in 1889, Lanvin was founded by Jeanne Lanvin who began her career as a milliner in Paris. Lanvin has become known for their super feminine styles and intricate detailing and is now one of the most renowned French fashion houses. After some company turmoil in the 1990’s, Lanvin made an incredible come back reaching a brand new level of success. In 2001, Lanvin welcomed a new designer, Alber Elbaz. Elbaz made his name for his technical design skills, and keen eye for style and womenswear trends. Elbaz is responsible for creating many of Lanvin’s critically acclaimed collections. Some signatures of France’s oldest operating fashion house include: duchesse satin, cocktail-length frocks and cigarette pants.

Tom Ford

Originally from Austin, Texas, Tom Ford is an American fashion designer and the creative force behind his self-titled brand “Tom Ford.” After studying architecture at Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, Tom Ford moved to Milan to join Gucci’s womenwear team and eventually worked his way up to earning the Creative Director title. On the heels of Gucci Group acquiring Yves Saint Laurent in 2000, Ford assumed their creative direction position and worked endlessly to redefine the brand’s overall image. After 10 years with Gucci Group, Tom Ford resigned and shortly thereafter announced the creation of the Tom Ford brand. His brand includes optical frames, sunglasses and a cosmetics collection as well a womenswear, menswear, and accessories.

Chloe

Gaby Aghion launched Chloe in 1952 in the hopes of creating luxurious ready-to-wear clothing. Chloe is known for just that… wearable but breath-taking daywear, perfect for chic young women. Grace Kelly, Jackie O. and Brigitte Bardot were amongst some of brand’s biggest clients. Chloe has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of fashion’s most talented designers including Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney. In 2001, the label fell under the creative oversight of London native, Hannah MacGibbon. In 2011, Clare Waight Keller, who is known for transforming Pringle of Scotland, became the new creative director of Chloe, replacing MacGibbon.

Gucci

Founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, The House of Gucci got its start as a leather-goods workshop and store in Florence. Gucci was considered one of the world’s premier luxury-goods brands by the sixties and seventies. When the fashion house approached the late seventies, family feuds and poor business decisions caused a set back until 1990 when Tom Ford joined the design team and reinvented the luxury brand, making it a strong player in contemporary fashion. Ford was instrumental in turning the fashion powerhouse around in a relatively short time. Upon the expiration of Ford’s contract with Gucci Group, Alessandra Fachinetti temporarily resumed creative direction but quit after two short seasons. Currently, Gucci is experiencing continued success by means of Frida Giannini, who was hired from within. Her collections have obtained a great level of commercial success.

By: Robyn Alt