Elbaz Bets On Black -LANVIN Fall 2009

Alber Elbaz kept his stride with yet another beautiful collection for Lanvin.   The debut of his fall 2009 collection in Paris received rave reviews, something that is becoming a staple each season.   Here's why:

Elbaz has managed to resurrect the spirit of Lanvin while making it feel modern in three ways.

First -he has continually utilized typically French detailing such as rouching, pleating, and imaginative draping. 

Second - Elbaz gives his customers color that they can wear - not colors that wear them.    

Third and perhaps most important - Alber continues to inject newness in each collection - giving his customers a reason to buy something from each new offering.   This is key especially in the times in which we are living.

What a pleasure to watch a creative designer continue to grow and develop his relationship at a  fashion house.   This season Elbaz made a statement by showing mostly black on the runway.   Something he had not done for the first few seasons with Lanvin.   It is a natural progression.   After all the bold statements in print and color - he could tackle the more challenging task of making black look new and exciting.   There were a few shots of color - but the overall statement was sexy - yet somber - which was spot on.

Bravo for Elbaz and for Lanvin!   Fashion Houses take note - this is how it's done!  It takes patience and trust for a house to achieve success with a new creative director/ designer.   Too often - it doesn't work.   For this reason the powers that be at Krizia must be kicking themselves.  Readers might remember - Elbaz designed one of the most beautiful collections in recent memory for the house that received rave reviews back in the fall of 2000.   However, due to the micro managing the long suffering house is known for the relationship ended after only a few months.   Unbelievable since that one collection was the only positive press that Krizia has received in possibly a decade .  Even the naming of the collection Krizia "Top" - left you thinking - where is Krizia "bottom"?   I was at that show in Milan and it took my breath away.   The collection had an African theme brought to life with the sophistication of YSL himself. 

During a time when few are excited about the fashion industry - Alber Elbaz leaves us wanting more.