Collection: Lanvin

Lanvin boasts an understated elegance, inherited from its roots in Parisian haute couture. The style of the brand's vintage sunglasses reflects this positioning: structured lines, moderate volumes, and discreet details. The frames often combine classic materials such as acetate, gold-plated metal, or molded resin, in balanced, unfussy shapes. Lanvin's signature is primarily expressed through quality craftsmanship and harmonious proportions, rather than ornamentation.

Founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, the house began as a couture workshop before becoming one of the oldest Parisian fashion houses still active. In the 1970s, Lanvin began developing its licensed accessory lines, particularly eyewear, which really took off in the following decades. Production was entrusted to specialized European manufacturers, mainly in France, Italy, and Germany, as was common for fashion houses wishing to extend their image through everyday objects. Lanvin eyewear from the 1970s to the 1990s generally bore the words “Made in France” or “Made in Italy” and were distributed through optical and luxury channels.

Among the models listed, we see a predominance of rectangular or slightly butterfly shapes, often in thick acetate. Some frames adopt a combined metal-acetate structure, with thin temples and more graphic faces. The Lanvin logo is sometimes engraved inside the temples, or integrated in the form of a gold plaque. Models like the Mod. 1091, produced in the 1980s, feature generous square shapes, with metallic details at the hinges. We also find frames with a minimalist design, with gradient lenses and a palette of classic colors: black, Havana, ivory, smoked gray.

Lanvin's first glasses were often designed in close collaboration with the house's haute couture collections. Some temples were even inspired by Art Deco motifs, a tribute to the era when Jeanne Lanvin dressed the elegant ladies of Paris.

Vintage Lanvin sunglasses are a representative example of the diversification of French fashion houses into the optical accessory sector at the end of the 20th century. Their appeal lies in the quality of the materials used (acetate, Optyl, metal), their European manufacturing, and their measured style. They also bear witness to a period when the logo remained discreet, in favor of sober and controlled formal work. For lovers of accessories from the history of couture, Lanvin models offer a balance between stylistic heritage and quality production.