With Alber Elbaz before the show

Season after season, designer Alber Elbaz creates the best that fashion has to offer: strong, beautiful clothing for the chic, modern woman.  His work for Lanvin resonates with me without fail.

This week Paris’s M6 television station has been trailing me for a documentary on Paris’s lasting appeal to travelers from around the world.  They thought it would be fun to shoot some behind-the-scenes and pre-show footage at Lanvin.  Of course I loved the idea.  As many shows as I’ve attended, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend a rehearsal — the pre-show of the show.

To be expected — there’s so much nervous energy in the room.  The models practiced their struts down the runway, the director gave them instructions on things like pace and mood while the soundtrack played.  I saw Alber and wished him good luck.  He was so gracious, as always, but said, “I’ll be better in a couple of hours!”

Lanvin shows are super-fun.  They serve cocktails and desserts, and it’s like a party on the runway before the show starts.  The guest-list was a veritable who’s who from the fashion industry.  All of the major editors and photographers were in attendance, along with celebrities like Janet Jackson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jade Jagger, French actresses Clotilde Courau and singer Patricia Kaas.

Janet Jackson; Kristin Scott Thomas

Jade Jagger; Patricia Kaas; Clotilde Courau

This show opened with classic black Lanvin — sophisticated and modern chic.  Stretch cottons, silk organza and ultralight leather were wrapped to form one-shouldered dresses, asymmetrical cuts and huge curves of fabric.  They had beautiful, sculptured silhouettes.  It was understated glamour and also easy-to-wear, thanks to Alber’s expert tailoring.

The show seemed to be building toward something more than those first looks, though.  Soon the black gave way to bright colors, dramatic draping and dazzling embellishments.

The last few dresses were extraordinary.  Total showstoppers.  Just look at those sequins and beading details below!

Alber got a huge round of applause.  His collections are always crowd-pleasers, and this one was no exception.  I’m never, ever disappointed, and just like his last show, there wasn’t one thing I didn’t love.  I wanted it all!

runway images via style.com; candid photos by Marie Goujon