1920

At the turn of the 20th century, Daniel Porthault opened a small lingerie boutique in Paris. In the effervescence of the Roaring Twenties, his wife Madeleine persuaded him to explore a territory still uncharted: that of couture applied to the home.

At a time when France, like the rest of the world, still slept in traditional white or ivory linens, Madeleine and Daniel introduced a true revolution: printed sheets.

Inspired by her love of Impressionism, by the gardens of Giverny and by her association with the fashion designer Maggie Rouff, Madeleine Porthault imagined colourful sets enriched with details borrowed from haute couture. Their success was immediate.

1927

Madeleine and Daniel Porthault then launched a collection of table linens, affirming the qualities of design and making that would become the signature of the Maison.

D. Porthault quickly distinguished itself through the refined pairing of prints and embroideries, at times classic, at times touched with fantasy, as well as through a constant demand for quality, savoir-faire and precision in every detail.

1933

D. Porthault acquired a weaving and making-up factory in the heart of the flax and lavender fields of Rieux-en-Cambrésis, the historic cradle of the textile industry in northern France.

1948

Following the launch of their printed sheets, Daniel and Madeleine Porthault designed and manufactured the world’s first printed terry towels.

1950

D. Porthault opens a printing factory in Argentan, Normandy, and prints its designs for the first time on cotton percale and voile, in addition to linen. The House of Porthault creates custom linens for prominent addresses, including the Elysées Palace, Buckingham Palace, and the White House.

1956

D. Porthault opened its first boutique in New York, on East 57th Street. At that time, many clients ordered creations of their own. Inspired by the sketches of the Duchess of Windsor, the Maison created the Les Cœurs motif in her honour. The French poet and woman of letters Louise de Vilmorin sent a letter of praise to D. Porthault, and her signature, a four-leaf clover, gave rise to the Les Trèfles motif.

The Les Cœurs and Les Trèfles motifs quickly established themselves as emblematic creations of the Maison.

Later, Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot also inspired new designs, while Sonia Rykiel, Christian Lacroix, Alberto Pinto and many others imagined exclusive creations for D. Porthault.

1965

D. Porthault opens its first Parisian boutique on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne at no.18. At this time, Madeleine and Daniel Porthault include among their loyal clients Charles de Gaulle, Sir Winston Churchill, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, the Duchess of Windsor and many other figures in government, fashion, cinema and society. From her vision in the 1920's, Madeleine proves that linens are not merely linens...They are a pleasure for all of one's senses.

1976

Marc Porthault, son of Madeleine and Daniel, takes over the family business. Adopting a diversification strategy, he expands D. Porthault's international presence 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 established itself for the first time within a French department store, at Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

At the same time, the New York boutique moved into a historic town house at 18 East 69th Street.

2004

A second American boutique opened its doors in Dallas, Texas.

2005

Passionate about French art and savoir-faire, 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 1930s facility in northern France. Porthault's Paris boutique moves to no. 50 avenue Montaigne, the Duke of Lariboisière's elegant 19th-century hôtel particulier transformed in 1922 by Georges de Feure and René Lalique for the couturière Madeleine Vionnet.

2007

The New York boutique moved to 470 Park Avenue, at the corner of 58th Street.

D. Porthault also expanded its presence by opening spaces within prestigious department stores: Le Bon Marché and Le Printemps in Paris, and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

2008

Joan Carl was awarded one of France’s highest distinctions, the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, in particular in recognition of her commitment to the renewal and the influence of the Maison D. Porthault.

2020

D. Porthault celebrates 100 years of creation.

In 1920 a Maison was born that would lastingly transform the world of home linens. Vivid colours, emblematic prints and hand-worked embroideries bring to life unique collections for the bed, the bath and the table.

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, D. Porthault is proud to celebrate this century of excellence alongside its artisans in France and its loyal clients around the world.