Why it belongs in ORBIS
Quebec luxury swim and resort-wear house founded in 1985 by Chantal Levesque, who began sewing custom bathing suits in her Laval home before opening an atelier in 1986. Sold via Saks, Harrods and Paris's Printemps.
Shan was founded by Chantal Levesque, who began making custom bathing suits in the basement of her home in Laval, Quebec, in 1985. She opened a dedicated atelier on Jean-Beraud Avenue the following year. The house built its reputation on technically demanding swimwear construction, working in sizes 4 to 16 with cup sizes A to F, with fabric imported primarily from Italy and garments produced in the company's own workrooms. In the early 1990s, Shan showed at Mode City, the international lingerie and swimwear trade show in France, which opened European markets; the brand went on to be carried by retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, Harrods in London, and Le Printemps in Paris.