Legacy
The Legacy of D. Porthault
In 1920, a company was founded that forever changed the world of home linens. For one hundred years, D. Porthault has been inspired by the colors, lines and lushness of nature, and has nurtured the skills of textile design and production. Now in 2020, we honor our artists, craftsmen and women, staff and most importantly, our clients. Un grand merci to all who have allowed our brand to flourish.
1920
At the turn of the 20th century, Daniel Porthault opens a small lingerie boutique in Paris. In the Roaring Twenties, his wife Madeleine convinces him to expand into the undiscovered world of home couture. At a time when France and the world were sleeping on traditional white and ivory linen, Madeleine and Daniel introduce a new style of bedding ~ printed sheets. Inspired by her love of Impressionist art and the gardens at Giverny, and by her association with the fashion designer Maggie Rouff, Madeleine Porthault's colorful sheets, adorned with dressmaker details, are an instant success.
1927
Madeleine and Daniel Porthault introduce a collection of table linens, further establishing the design and production qualities that will become their signature. The house of D. Porthault is soon synonymous with the artful mix of prints and embroideries ~ both classical and fanciful ~ and with a dedication to quality, craftsmanship and detail.
1933
D. Porthault purchases a weaving and production factory set in the flax and lavender fields of Rieux-en-Cambrésis, an historic seat of the textile industry in northern France. The larger looms enabled the Porthaults to produce wider fabrics for their growing business.
1948
To accommodate the growing demand for their bed linens once hand-printed in Paris using wooden blocks and small screens the Porthaults established a factory in Argentan, Normandy. There, they expanded production to include cotton percale, voile, and flax, and became the first to print terry towels featuring their signature designs on larger screens.
1950's
During this period, many clients begin commissioning custom designs. D. Porthault creates Les Cœurs, inspired by sketches from the Duchess of Windsor, and Les Trèfles, based on a letter from Louise de Vilmorin featuring her signature clover. Both quickly become brand classics. Designs are also inspired by Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot, while figures like Sonia Rykiel, Christian Lacroix, and Alberto Pinto contribute their own signature styles.
1962
D. Porthault opens its first Paris boutique at 18 Avenue Montaigne. Its distinguished clientele includes Charles de Gaulle, Queen Elizabeth, Sir Winston Churchill, the Kennedys, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, and other prominent figures in government, fashion, and film. From the 1920s, Madeleine Porthault’s vision redefined linens as more than functional "They are a pleasure for all of one's senses."
1976
Marc Porthault, son of Madeleine and Daniel, becomes the head of the family-owned company. Adopting a strategy of diversification, he enlarges the International presence of D. Porthault in Asia and the Middle East. Looking beyond the brand's historic products, Marc Porthault expands the line, reintroducing lingerie and adding porcelain, children's clothing, beachwear and accessories.
1980
D. Porthault's savoir faire is recognized and appreciated by the most exclusive hotels in the world, including the Hotel Ritz, the Bristol, the Meurice, the Crillon and the Plaza Athenée in Paris, the Pierre Hotel in New York, and Relais & Chateaux properties throughout Europe.
1986
D. Porthault establishes its first presence within a French department store, at Galeries Lafayette in Paris. The New York boutique moves to an historic townhouse at 18 East 69th Street.
2004
A second American boutique opens in Dallas, Texas.
2005
Passionate about the art and the savoir faire of France, Joan and Bernard Carl, a Washington, D.C. couple, purchase D. Porthault. A loyal client of D. Porthault for over thirty years, Joan Carl owns a château in the Loire Valley. Her appreciation and years of involvement in the fashion and art worlds, combined with her knowledge and understanding of textiles, give her a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of D. Porthault. Marc Porthault remains Chairman of the Board of Directors and continues to play a role in the life of the company. Joan Carl becomes Vice Chairman. Joan Carl's dedication and passion infuse new dynamism into the prestigious house of D. Porthault.
2006
D. Porthault moves its corporate office and design studio from Levallois, a suburb of Paris, into central Paris. The company builds a state-of-the-art weaving, cutting and sewing factory outside of Cambrai, fifteen kilometers from Porthault's original 1930's facility in northern France. Porthault's Paris boutique moves to no. 50 avenue Montaigne, the Duke of Lariboisière's elegant 19th century hotel particulier transformed in 1922 by Georges de Feure and René Lalique for the couturière Madeleine Vionnet.
2007
The New York boutique moves to 470 Park Avenue at 58th Street. D. Porthault expands its presence with boutiques in the exclusive department stores Le Bon Marché and Au Printemps in Paris and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
2008
Joan Carl is awarded one of France's most prestigious honors, the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, in part for her work in restoring the house of D. Porthault.
2010
D. Porthault opens an exclusive boutique in London, in Harrods' newly designed Luxury Linens room.
2020
D. Porthault marks a century since its founding in 1920, a company that transformed the world of home linens. Our linens for bed, bath, and table are enlivened by vibrant colors, whimsical prints, and hand embroidery. We proudly celebrate this 100th Anniversary alongside our artisans in France and loyal clients worldwide, believing, as Madeleine did, that "Porthault is a family, a family united in the love of the beautiful and the well-made."
