Lanvin and Rateau: A Parisian Dream Apartment

Jeanne Lanvin

Jeanne Lanvin was one of the most illustrious Paris couturieres of her time and the House of Lanvin continues to create beautiful clothing and accessories to this day.

From the Lanvin 2009 spring ready-to-wear collection

In addition to founding a fashion house, Jeanne Lanvin branched out into interior design and hired Armand-Albert Rateau to head "Lanvin Decoration". Rateau brought his skill as a prolific decorator, furniture maker and architect to Lanvin's house... quite literally.

"Arpege" by Lanvin

Rateau had already designed the bottle for Lanvin's Arpege perfume. Dedicated to Lanvin's daughter on her 30th birthday, the bottle design features a mother and daughter embracing.

Alcove sofa in solid oak, upholstered in tufted yellow silk, circa 1925

The pinnacle of Rateau's work for Lanvin was Mme Lanvin's Paris apartment, completed in 1928. Throughout, Rateau used her favourite, "Lanvin Blue," a soft, yet strong, cornflower shade of blue.

As well as her signature color, Rateau integrated other personal touches like featuring a strong daisy motif in reference to Lanvin's daughter, Marguerite (the French word for "daisy").

Bed alcove, circa 1922.

Detail of the bed alcove, carved and painted with gilt bronze handles, quilt and pillowcase in Lanvin Blue silk.

Lounge chair in painted beech wood, upholstered in tufted Lanvin Blue silk, circa 1925.

The bathroom Rateau designed is exceptional. A crisp mix of black and cream marble with mosaic floors and a hand carved pedestal sink reminiscent of ancient Rome.

Black, white and yellow Siena marble floor, yellow Siena marble pedestal sink, cast bronze hardware, circa 1924.

Bathtub in carved yellow Siena marble, alcove with gilded bas relief plaster decoration, circa 1924.

The cast bronze fixtures exemplify Rateau's superior skill in the medium.

Cast bronze fixtures, circa 1924.

Cast bronze lamp, circa 1924.

French Art Deco period chandelier in cast bronze in the style of Armand-Albert Rateau, circa 1920.

When Jeanne Lanvin's home was taken down in 1965, the complete decoration and furniture of the boudoir, bedroom and bathroom was given to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs by Prince Louis de Polignac where it is on view today.

For more information visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs website.