PARIS, Mar 6, 2005/ FW/ --- With Jade Jagger sitting front row, plus all the top A-list editors, the Lanvin show opened with an opera singer belting out a high note, and that high note never faltered, same as the graceful and feminine collection that Alber Elbaz sent out for Fall 2005.

If the runway was a lake, and the models were swans, then it would be a captivating parade of these poised birds in black, white and a few floral prints, because that was exactly what Alber Elbaz’s color palette for this coming autumn / winter.

Long sleeved tailored dresses with A-line or bias cut skirts, spaghetti strap minis in tiered ostrich feathers made demure with a collarless jacket, knee-length mink coats with delicate filigrees as belts brought forth a 1930s feel to the collection when the sight of the knees was considered sexy, even provocative.

With the 1990s over and the upfront sexuality waning, Alber Elbaz’s silhouettes are becoming the “new sexy looks,” turning back the tide when sweet and demure was the vogue.

Yet, the Lanvin women are contemporary and also strong, as exemplified by Erin Wasson wearing a black & white tuxedo dress.

But, it is not Victor/Victoria. The collection is very far from it. It’s about being a woman of the turn of the 21st century – assured, confident and sure of her femininity.

And for her, we have Alber Elbaz to thank for!

Lanvin

Lanvin

Lanvin

Lanvin