Today, fashion designers are the celebrities of the fashion world, but the truth is their success today was paved by strong creative women of the past.
One of the first fashion designers on record was Jeanne Lanvin whom opened a millinery house in 1889. Inspired by her young daughter Marguerite, Lanvin began by creating lavish dresses for young girls adorned with gorgeous embroidery made with delicate silky fabrics. Lanvin would go on to create matching ensembles for children and adults and by the 1920’s expanded to swimwear, menswear, lingerie, sportswear, furs, home décor, and fragrances.
“I act on impulse and believe in instinct.” – Jeanna Lanvin
Madeleine Vionnet changed the fashion world when she launched her fashion house in 1912. Women loved the comfort and fluidity of her designs that often mimicked classic Greek statues. Vionnet became known for her excessive, beautiful draping and pleating designs.
“When a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too.” – Madeleine Vionnet
BAHM cannot speak of strong creative women without mentioning Coco Chanel. Chanel started her empire during WW1 and was the first mainstream designer to use materials and fabrics to create her designs that was traditionally reserved for underwear. Chanel was also the first designer to create pieces that were shorter and easier to move in, freeing women of the tightly bound corsets and Poiret’s French skirts. Throughout the years she would expand her brand to include the famous Chanel No. 5 perfume, which every girl, mother, and grandmother have used generation after generation.
“Dress shabbily and they will remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel
