Susan in the Tuileries, outside the Lanvin show

I always look forward to the Lanvin défilé. Not just for the clothes (which I love), but also because the show is always upbeat and fun. This season was no exception– creative director Alber Elbaz understands modern women, and his range is extraordinary. This collection held something for everybody!

This season’s new silhouettes included short, black strapless dresses with jewels at the breast (simple and chic); flowing satin pieces (easy to wear) and beautiful coats (especially a short fur one, which looked like dark mink). Along with shoes, I am a coat freak. How many can a girl own? Put it this way: I’m making room in my closet, because Alber’s were out of this world.

I remember, during one of many visits to Lanvin, trying on a fabulous mink coat. (Described this way, it sounds banal–but believe me, it was beyond gorgeous!) My wonderful saleswoman, Dominique, said “Just tell your husband it should be a gift.” I laughed. She knows me too well, which makes walking into Lanvin very dangerous!

And although some of the first looks were rather severe, almost church-like, I still say “Bravo, Alber” for shaking up his signature style. Meanwhile, there were many examples of his well-known, colorful dresses–all variations on a theme, and still so beautiful. I also loved the knit dresses trimmed with organza, the voluminous capes and all the gorgeous fabrics. To die for!

Actress Rosamund Pike

Jade Jagger

Susan with Kappauf, editorial director of Citizen K

Bee Shaffer

Anna Dello Russo

Susan congratulates Alber Elbaz, Lanvin’s creative director, after another beautiful show

Alber loves women and knows that we want to look chic, elegant and modern, all at the same time. I’m lucky: my closet holds Lanvin pieces I’ve collected over the years that I still love and wear. Thank goodness for Alber, a wonderful designer and a sweetheart to boot, which is rare in fashion.

Love you, dahling!

Photographs by Stephane Israël. Runway images via Style.com