Designer A-Z

Lanvin

Autumn/Winter 2011

By Emma Sells

These days we associate Alber Elbaz with a love of colour, so when the first few looks of his latest Lanvin collection were a black out, it was a bit of a surprise.

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Stepping our from under a giant weeping willow, they wore neatly and simply cut coats and capes and off the shoulder dresses topped of with masculine wide-brimmed hats. They were beautiful but austere, with just hints of embellishment here and there – metal trims, a splash of gold embroidery, a metal neckplate or two.

As the show progressed the simplicity receded somewhat – there were black python tunics, cape-like draped dresses, tough black lace frocks and monochrome floral prints.

But, of course, Alber couldn't restrain his colour palette forever, and he finished his show by sending out a clutch of silk dresses in warm jewel tones, gathered and pleated to perfection, before gathering together back under the willow tree.