PARIS, Oct 11, 2004/ FW/ --- One of the must-see shows during the Paris season, Lanvin’s catwalk presentation yesterday at Salle Wagram is what the theater people call an SRO!

With the most important fashion editors sitting front row, from Anna Wintour, Suzie Menkes and Glenda Bailey, the room was so crowded that even the front row denizens, no matter who they are, were literally touching shoulders with each other.

It’s not the room was small. In fact, with 15 rows of seats on each side, the venue could easily hold 700 guests. But with the standing room areas located on the main floor, plus the balcony, there were easily 1000 guests who attended the show.

Needless to say, the photographers’ pit was also crowded with the full ensemble of the fashion photographers all crammed up in the space, also standing shoulder to shoulder, with no room to spare!

It was like a big family reunion in terms of fashion! Fashion’s who’s who were there to see and be seen. Yet, no one can blame them really, because Alber Elbaz is one of the hottest designers in town!

And for Spring 2005, he did not disappoint his audience. This might be prêt-a-porter but what the Israeli-American who began his career assisting Geoffrey Beene added couture elements in his collection that one has to remind oneself that it was October and not July.

The sleeves simple white dress with a deep V-neckline, hugging the hips with a flared skirt was matched with a jacket made from the same fabric that was embroidered and beaded in gold is a great example.

Alber Elbaz had brought demi-couture to Lanvin in a very subtle way, that although we had been seeing it for the past several seasons, no one has really commented.

Probably, it’s because he always has something innovative in his collection, that the innovations are what stick to mind.

Oh, don’t get me wrong; there are several innovations in this collection too, like the one shouldered mini dress just cut above the knee. It’s an asymmetrical baby doll dress, zipped at the side and with an electric pleated apron in front!

Then, there is the golden baby doll dress, again with a deep V-neckline. The sheer on the bodice is so tiny it looked like an accordion. If any of the Greek gods were around, they would have punished Alber Elbaz for creating such perfection. As legend says, the mythological gods of Olympus hates when a mere human created something faultless.

Amid all these, each exit a standout on its own right, everything gelled together, a masterful collection under the masterful hands of a design maestro.

So, when the lights dimmed and the models did their final walk, followed by Alber Elbaz, the audience stood up to give him a resounding applause.

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz

Lanvin by Alber Elbaz