Hallée, Jeanne

Jeanne Hallée was a prestigious lingerie and couture house in Paris, operating from 1870 to 1924. It was known for exquisite craftsmanship sought by American and European clients. Founder Marie Jeanne Hallée began the business as a small-scale producer of ready-made and custom lingerie, which quickly grew to accommodate the needs of affluent clientele. In 1891, the house transitioned into a maison de couture under new management, expanding its offerings to made-to-measure garments for women’s wardrobes while retaining its lingerie roots. The brand experienced five ownership changes, typically passing from one female leader to another, maintaining a strong connection to the female-dominated lingerie industry.

The two enterprising employees who took over Jeanne Hallée in 1891 were Marie Angenard (1859–1942) and Blanche Diémert (1857–1911). They reshaped the house into a couture establishment, showcasing women’s significant roles in fashion entrepreneurship during a male-dominated era. Under Angenard’s leadership, the house embraced couture techniques while remaining successful in lingerie production, with a focus on luxurious fabrics and intricate designs inspired by historical fashion. The house adapted to changing fashion trends and drew on global influences, maintaining relevance through significant stylistic shifts in the early 20th century. Jeanne Hallée thrived during World War I but faced financial challenges as client bases dwindled; Angenard eventually sold the house after growing weary of business operations. After Angenard’s departure, the Jeanne Hallée name was used by several successor houses, but none managed to revive its former prestige, leading to its closure in 1924.

Written by denisebrain