Lanvin’s Alter Ego

Ever since the hotly anticipated Lanvin collaboration with H+M sold out within minutes of going on sale, fashion’s man-of-the-moment became Alber Elbaz.

Not that he is new to adoring female fans! His beautiful collections have been admired by fashion’s and Hollywood’s élite ever since he was named artistic director of Lanvin in 2001!

To look at, Elbaz isn’t what you would typically associate with a top fashion designer; he doesn’t have the outrageous dress sense of Galliano, the debonair and sophistication of Tom Ford or even the iconic style sense of Karl Lagerfeld! In fact, Elbaz looks more like the cute, dorky kid around the corner… complete with ill-fitting suits and over-sized dickie bows! (Which makes him all the more endearing).

But forget first impressions – Elbaz designs like his alter ego… the hero who saved and revived a collapsing French fashion house and dresses women to perfection!

Bugs and insects became a recurring inspiration for this season’s collection; however, the woman Elbaz created was much more complicated than that!

She is a bold hybrid of an insect and a superhero… think Spiderman – but with style and without the geeky alter ego!

From subtle undercover agents wearing dark sunglasses in black draped jumpsuits to caped crusaders in chiffon pleated bodysuits, the designs can then morph from cocooned structured outfits into full-on drama in elegant evening gowns that billowed in the wind like Superman’s cape!

Many of the dresses were form fitting with cut-out details, skeletal pleated mini dresses, and body-armour in earthy tones with strong structure and bold embellishments… almost like the outer shell of an insect or the protective uniform of a superhero.  The sheath style resembling a second skin was another beautiful option with that stunning draping we love and expect from Lanvin designs!

My favourite look from the catwalk has already been worn by ‘Gossip Girl’ Blake Lively, a stunning nude vest with a leather camel harness and belt, large bug jewel and stunning mint green flowing skirt. Other stars also seen wearing his S/S 11 collection before it hits stores are Rachel McAdams and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The show itself started out quite dark, showcasing the ‘alter-ego’ daywear looks, with sensible flat footwear, discrete sunglasses, office appropriate attire and even the odd day/work bag available. It was only when ‘At Last’ by Etta James came onto the playlist that an array of colourful and vibrant outfits abounded the runway, more leg became apparent and the collection itself took a turn towards a more typically Lanvin look. The show ended with the army of models dressed to kill (literally) taking their final walk together!