Lanvin: Cool, Classic and Chic
By Timothy Hagy
(Photo by IndigitalTV)
PARIS, Jul 3, 2003/ FW/ --- Ocean waves crashed. A lone English horn sang out, and then
the soundtrack, cool and light as a Poulenc trio, fell into jazz and blues.
Cool? Sure it was. In an classic and understated way.
Lanvin Couture, of course, is a name that is synonymous with those themes.
On the women's side, Alber Elbaz has transformed the label into something
that it has not been until recently- both hip and chic.
So, it was only a matter of time until the masculine side of things followed suit.
The House has recently appointed 31 year old Martin Krutzki to the post of men's wear
designer replacing Christophe Blondin, who left for Kenzo.
Mr. Krutzki a Graduate of the Fachhochschule der Mode in Nuremberg, most recently was
employed by the Gucci Group as head of the Menswear division at Yves St.
Laurent Rive Gauche and Balenciaga.
So, it was a good match for a label known for craftsmanship and elegance.
The immaculate cut of suits, as well as the finest of materials could give a
Saville Row tailor in London strong competition.
But, for a carefully discerning critic, there were more subtle French
ornaments, as in poetic scarves of fine linen flowing in Romantic splendor.
Or, a snow white cotton shirt with ridges of pleats enigmatically falling
down over the chest to disappear into soft denim jeans tied up with a
lacquered belt.
Still further, a gossamer midnight blue shirt seductively
veiled the male torso, and a creamy pina colada colored evening suit with
rounded lapels glistened like fresh dew.
Elsewhere, glazed chocolate leather trenches, and pale mint polos made for a
delicious mélange
In a casual way, the collection was a symphony of elegance and refinement,
full of life and fresh air.
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