10 Things We Love Lanvin For

The statement necklace
Yes, the idea has gone a tad OTT, but we have to thank him for starting it.

The ruffle dress
His ruffles and flounces sculpt, curl and flow around the body, while still managing to look as light and supple as a fresh flower.

The one-shoulder dress
Since 2008, Elbaz has had at least one in every collection. It never looks too Grecian because the bodice is cut close.

The exposed zipper
Those chunky fasteners that you seen on high-street dresses started at Lanvin. The Israeli designer respects important details like this.

The drape
Usually achieved from a single piece of fabric and worn with an elasticized belt for shape, these swathes of material hang at and conceal all the right places – so you never look fat.

The trench coat
It’s far from utilitarian in Elbaz’s hands. His is voluminous one season, and soft and flowing the next. And almost always in silk satin or chiffon.

The ballet flats
His show just the right amount of toe cleavage and have that perfect roundness, which keeps them youthful-looking.

The polyester fabric
He makes it look expensive. He stonewashes, presses and steams Japanese polyester to make it look like washed silk. It’s his favourite material because it gives his signature drapes a certain “fly-away” effect.

The bridal dress
Previously only available in the Paris store, his ready-to-wear collection of white and ivory frocks is for the bride who wants tiered cocktail dresses and simple straight-cut gowns.

The jewel tones
His somehow look different and delicious. He uses the most exacting shades of emerald green, amethyst, purple, ruby red, topaz, yellow and sapphire blue – never too dark, or light.

Credits:
Text: Patricia Lee