Fosun swoops to rescue Lanvin: a luxury SOS
When the world’s oldest French fashion house, Lanvin, was left in a financial freefall, a glass of champagne might not have been enough to lift its spirits. Thanks to the bold move by Chinese conglomerate Fosun, a new chapter is opening for the 1889‑born brand.
Why Lanvin was on the brink
- In 2016 the company posted an unexpected loss of €18.3 million—its first deficit in ten years.
- All that after the controversial departure of famed designer Alber Elbaz two years earlier.
- Ownership had shifted from Taiwanese media baron Shaw‑Lan Wang, who promised a cash lifeline that never quite materialized.
Fosun’s grand entry
Fosun stepped in, pledging to infuse new vigor into Lanvin’s legacy. They highlighted:
- China’s role as a major growth engine in the luxury market.
- Fosun’s confidence that they can add “great incremental value” to a brand steeped in heritage.
- Full commitment to Lanvin’s “high luxury positioning” and the manufacturing quality that still hails from France and Italy.
Notably, Fosun already owns Club Med and several mainstream apparel brands like Tom Tailor, showing they’re not new to the fashion scene.
The creative rethink
With artistic director Olivier Lapidus taking the reins after a brief stint by Bouchra Jarrar, Lanvin is gearing up for a major shift. Lapidus said he’s working tirelessly to redesign the brand’s offerings while staying true to its storied heritage.
What’s next for Lanvin?
Fosun’s acquisition promises a blend of bold business strategy and a renewed creative vision. With careful investment and a fresh artistic direction, the once‑famous house could very well return to the top tier of luxury fashion—perhaps with a touch more flair (and maybe a champagne bottle or two) along the way.
