LANVIN FALL 2016

LANVIN FALL 2016

Lanvin's Fall 2016 collection was steeped in 80s glam, powerhouse connotations. The design team behind the collection did their best to emulate former designer Alber Elbaz's adept craftsmanship but fell flat with several ill fitting garments making their way onto the runway. Some key features of Lanvin's DNA remained apparent with sensual satins and rich brocades very much in attendance, with a dash of masculinity thrown into the mix. 

The show opened with a boxy, oversized, quilted tuxedo jacket in the shade of ice silver. A matching, sculptural, midi skirt featured undulating flounces bouncing with every stride the model made on the runway. A court shoe cross bootie, let's say 'courtie' was the footwear of choice with details including a pointed toe and a diamond cut-out across the breadth of the foot.

A structured bronze brocade, intarsia, plunging, asymmetrical peplum blouse featured bouffant sleeves and deep decolletage. Languid, peach velvet trousers accompanied the blouse. Collarbone grazing crystal drop chandelier earrings were statement making to say the least. A metal, restrictive choker in burnished gold oozed with tribal qualities. 

An ostentatious, plush fox fur coat starred in sea foam green tinged with butterscotch accents. A sumptuously soft vanilla leather belt attenuated the waist and cascaded to under the knee cap. Almond toe, lace up, leather boots were a covetable addition. A muted turquoise leather satchel concluded the ensemble which brimmed with consummate class.

Flash trash dominated on a high shine, metallic gold, trench coat. A patent, vanilla, waist cincher featured an Art Deco inspired gold strip centrepiece. A scalloped, crystal encrusted choker and thread drop earrings accessorised the deluxe number.

An eveningwear dress evoking Old Hollywood glam comprised of a mauve rose collage bodice consisting of satin, lace and brocade pieces which worked effortlessly when teamed to a diaphanous, crystal pleat, full lavender skirt. A luxurious fudge and mint flecked stole graced one shoulder falling elegantly to the elbow.

Dark romance played a role on a cropped navy and muted sage, brocade bolero jacket. A delicate, ebony, transparent, high neck, lace, long sleeve blouse screamed of femininity. A midnight, intarsia brocade, fish tail, midi skirt exuded uppercrust elegance. A sapphire fur stole concluded the look. 

Kaitlin Aas modelled a charming satin mini dress. Details included black and silver lace bishop sleeves conjuring Gothic glam, high neck scalloped bib and a dark slate blue liquid mini skirt. A pistachio lace panel trailed from above the knee to the mid calf offering a modest silhouette for cocktail hour.

Given Lanvin's hefty pricetag the current design team will need to up the ante in precision tailoring to continue accommodating for the affluent, fashion savvy woman.

By Courtney Jones.       

LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

LANVIN PRE FALL 2016

Design stalwart, Alber Elbaz departed Lanvin October 2015 after 14 years at the helm of the prestigious Parisian fashion house. Chomena Kamali and Lucio Finale were appointed acting Creative Directors, the result a sumptuously good collection steeped with sophistication and impeccable glamour.

The collection opened with a black, waxy, rubber coated trench complete with bouffant drop shoulder and raw unfinished hems. A white, poetic, high neck, scalloped, broderie anglaise blouse added drama to the ensemble which also included a floor grazing, regally hued, ruby, velvet maxi skirt. Accessories comprised of colossal, multi drop, diamante earrings, diamond patterned neckerchief and a small, neat, pearl encrusted boxy satchel.

A silk chartreuse pinafore swept the floor and starred in languid proportions. A tuxedo, wraparound blouse added polished panache to the fashion forward combination. A compelling patchwork, for fur coat featured in shades of toffee, vanilla fudge, butterscotch, and flecked mocha. A dark chocolate leather belt attenuated the waist, leather continued to adorn the cuffs and collar. The coat was married to suede culottes in the shade of maple. Victoriana themed, desert sand ankle boots were the footwear of choice with dainty almond toe and dark chocolate velvet shoelaces.

A generously cut, velvet, sapphire trench resembled a luxurious bathrobe.Voluminous, velvet palazzo pants matched the trench. Sleeves were pushed up insouciantly, on a pink and white candy stripe, ruffled shirt which was paired underneath. An ebony, fabric choker was emblazoned with dainty, red, bows.

Velvet continued to reign the design acumen and frequented a strapless, maxi dress with black bodice and crepe bandage straps that crossed over the decolletage and tied on the shoulder. A suede, mauve, belt drew in the waist which flowed fluidly into a lace, velvet and mesh panelled skirt. The colour palette included eggplant, ballet pink, maroon and noir. 

Poetic mash ups dominated on a deep, v-neck, flounce blouse in shades of aquamarine and cocoa, with gold foil detail. An alabaster, scalloped lace insert finalised the blouse which sat high on the hip. Mustard, tailored trousers in relaxed proportions brimmed with seventies connotations. For cocktail hour, a semi transparent, long sleeve, lace mini dress complete with ruffled bib will ensure you're queen of enchantment. Patent, leather, sharp pointed brogues added an androgynous edge.

Monochrome commanded a tailored, striped vest with origami qualities evident. Matching architectural, maximist culottes were of midi length and made for the fashion fearless. A buttersoft, leather, pleated camisole was a dapper accession. The billowing cami was teamed to an alabaster, fishtail midi skirt, a romantic ensemble with a modern day approach. 

A characterful collection oozing with ostentation for the self assured woman.

 

By Courtney Jones.