At Lanvin this season Alber Elbaz did no wrong once again in a show that questioned what it takes to put together a collection of “trend” lead pieces dictated by more-ish marketability. Instead, the dynamic design force thrust 68 immaculately timeless pieces into the limelight of the Lanvin runway that utilised a number of complicated elements, including frayed lace, sheer silks and trunks of snakeskin boots.
In addition to this cacophony of appealing looks there was also goddess-like ancient Grecian folds of fabric, shimmering embellishments with ornate bow trims and more avant-garde deconstructed shapes. Not ending at that, whimsical prints brought the collection to its finale finely.
These prints included a repeated Lanvin handbag doodle and scribblings of the flagship boutique on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a fashion badge of honour that’s been done time and time again but is given a new lease of life by Elbaz.
Of course, between the leopard print in dappled leather with sequinned skirts fit for a mermaid and topped off by a ruched rose around the neck, it was all a lot to take in but a feast for the eyes nonetheless.
If there was ever a designer that understands the positioning of the fashion house of which is at he at the helm, it’s no doubt Alber, for he knows that Lanvin will always be able to sustain itself as long as it delivers artfully awe-inducing marvels that anyone feels they could slip into in a second. This season saw him deliver a collection for both the people and all the people alike.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Lanvin