Lanvin has just announced the name of Bruno Sialelli’s successor. The doyenne of Parisian fashion houses still in business has set its sights on Peter Copping. The British designer, who previously worked for Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, has the tough task of revitalizing a House that has been slumbering since the departure of the late Alber Elbaz in 2015.
In the midst of Haute Couture week, Lanvin made official the handover of artistic direction from Bruno Sialelli, who will step down in April 2023, to newcomer Peter Copping, who joins from Balenciaga. The thirty-something from Marseilles, who left after a four-year mandate, makes way for the British fifty-something.
The revival of the oldest Parisian fashion house still in operation (founded in 1889), acquired in 2018 by the Chinese Fosun Fashion Group (now Lanvin Group), is all the more vital as the House has been going through a serious managerial and financial crisis for almost ten years.
The new artistic director is due to take office in September.
A couture veteran
Peter Copping was chosen to oversee creation at Maison Lanvin largely because of his profile as a garment technician, largely acquired in the world of haute couture. A very exclusive club that the House’s founder, Jeanne Lanvin, had joined in 1909 before “temporarily” ceasing her activities in 1992.
The official press release reminds us: “With a diverse experience spanning different categories and geographies, Peter Copping brings to Lanvin a singular perspective and the technical expertise of a modern couturier.”
He adds, “Over the past two years, Lanvin has redefined itself in contemporary culture through French sophistication and radical chic. Copping’s mission is a continuation of this transformation of the House.”
The 57-year-old is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art in London. In addition, he completed his apprenticeship at Christian Lacroix before starting his career in Sonia Rykiel’s ateliers.
His experience in fashion and couture has the merit of being international (USA and Italy) and not just Parisian: not only did he manage haute couture at Balenciaga (including special and VIP projects), but he was also endorsed by American Oscar de la Renta, to take over his eponymous label from 2014 to 2016.
Marc Jacobs’ former right-hand man
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Featured Photo: © Lanvin
