Lanvin by Alber Elbaz: Simply Gorgeous!
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

PARIS, Mar 7, 2004/ FW / ---- Alber Elbaz is one of those talented designers who can transform the go-anywhere little black dress to an elegant cocktail dress right before your very eyes. And he did it today, not just once but several times inside the tents at the Jardin des Tuileries.

With almost all of the important fashion editors sitting front row, including Kal Ruttenstein, fashion director of Bloomingdales, Kate Moss and Gretchen Leach, wife of the American ambassador to France, a model wearing a simple black silk dress embellished only with a twisted loop made of silk at the back, stopped on the runway, unpinned the said loop to cascade elegantly behind her, transforming the day dress to evening wear in a span of 5 seconds.

There was a collective “ooohs” and “aaahs” among the audience, followed by a general agreement among the fashion critics that Alber Elbaz is not just a very artistic designer, but also a technical master.

The great news is that this was just one of the many things in the collection that impressed the audience.

There is the ecru coat with a white fox stole that also worked as a collar trim. Wear the trench coat alone during the cool autumn nights, and use the fox stole to ward off the cold during winter.

Another outstanding look is the blue flapper mini dress decorated with beads and antique golden flowers.

Taken separately, every look is just gorgeous – from olive trenches with an antique medallion reminiscent of France’s military past to the day dresses that transform into elegant cocktail dresses.

Taken as a group, the whole collection is simply marvelous! Alber Elbaz in just four seasons already has a loyal following for the House of Lanvin. He has also transformed the once aging fashion house into one of the “must see” shows during the Paris season.

The standing ovation he received from the audience when he took his bow is proof.

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz