If you search Lanvin or designer Alber Elbaz on this site, you’ll find countless stories of my love affair with this brand. And yesterday’s show at the Halle Freyssinet in the 13th arrondissement was no exception. It was powerful, chic, modern, directional – everything you expect from this brand and more.

The show was packed, to start. This is always a big ticket during the Prêt-à-Porter. Someone was actually in my seat – so we had to squeeze together – but the traditional pre-show champagnes had everyone feeling good. The collection began with beautiful, bias cut, close-fitting simplicity. Alber is big on one-shouldered sculptured dresses – often my favorites – and he sent some very chic variations down the catwalk.

The coats were so interesting – they each had different silhouettes – but roomy shoulders was a motif throughout. There were loose wide coats – a dash of ’80s – a gorgeous belted one, some fur…

After showing some two-tone brown looks amidst of the shades of black and gray, the pace of the show began to quicken. Drums were beating, a crescendo was building, the excitement was beyond. Shimmering short dresses covered in jewels, feathers, and all sorts of colorful embellisments came down the runway – they were to-die-for. Totally spectacular.

The show ended with the song Love Train and there were cheers of applause and dancing. Instead of filing one-by-one for the finale, the models came out together in rows. The energy was overwhelming. Alber has said that he creates for the strong, modern woman – and it is so evident not only in his outstanding clothes, but in his presentations as well. They are powerful. I am never disappointed with this presentation – ever.

Glamour tweeted that the blunt black wigs were actually from the Ricky’s cosmetics stores in New York? So funny. I kind of liked that the models were totally uniform. Don’t get me wrong – the makeup and hair at shows like Dior are exquisite – but I realized here that I was able to really focus on the clothing – no distractions. I also loved the set – after each model walked the runway, she climbed a dramatic circular staircase at the end.

Backstage was madness. I didn’t get to chat with Alber amidst the rush but I was able to congratulate him on another amazing collection.

With Jade Jagger at the show

Chatting with actress and filmmaker Ronit Elkabetz

With French actress Natalie Baye backstage

runway images via style.com; photos by Marie Goujon