• [Lanvin, Jeanne. (1867 - 1946)] Press photograph of female model with Lanvin-designed bag for gas masks, 1939
  • [Lanvin, Jeanne. (1867 - 1946)] Press photograph of female model with Lanvin-designed bag for gas masks, 1939

[Lanvin, Jeanne. (1867 - 1946)] Press photograph of female model with Lanvin-designed bag for gas masks, 1939

[Lanvin, Jeanne. (1867 - 1946)]
Press photograph of female model with Lanvin-designed bag for gas masks, 1939
Gelatin silver print

Press photograph of unidentified female model in street attire carrying a supposedly stylish bag for gas masks.  Credited to ACME Paris, September 19, [19]39.  With typed extended captions in French and English mounted to verso; excerpt from English version: Since the gas mask has become part of the Parisienne's necessary accessories today, it it not surprising that someone got busy and tried to make the most of this useful but anesthetic object.  Jeanne Lanvin, leading light of the fashion world (who is still functioning in Paris) has just designed two models of bags which combine utility and art."  With various hand stamps to verso, including one of ACME Newspictures.  9.5 x 7 inches (24.2 x 18 cm).  Top left corner creased; small stain to left margin; else in fine condition.

From the early days of the Second World War, which was still a regional conflict then. Jeanne Lanvin (1867–1946) was one of the great names in Parisian fashion in her day. The company she founded still exists.

In 1939, gas masks had already been issued to civilians in Britain and France, in case Germany resorted to chemical warfare. It never happened, but women were soon making a point of style out of the requirement to carry gas mask bags at all times. In France, before the occupation, newspaper headlines declared “Women in Paris will not Forsake Fashion in War!” True to form, Parisiennes had begun toting leather or satin-covered gas-mask boxes to match their outfits, while milliner Jeanne Lanvin came up with a chic haute couture cylindrical shoulder-strap bag for her customers. (Vogue, Wartime Fashion Lessons).