My first recollection of the label “Lanvin,” was my mother’s bottle of Arpege perfume that she kept on her vanity. It was a sweet and spicy fragrance that she would spray on daily. The aroma wafted through the air and settled in my senses so that I always associated it with her.
It wasn’t until about forty years later, that I made my first Lanvin purchase—a 1920s style navy blue silk dress and matching necklace that I wore to countless events, weddings, and Bar Mitzvahs. It was my “go-to” special occasion dress, and I cherished it. Lanvin’s head designer at the time was Alber Elbaz. His style was edgy and chic, and his designs hugged in just the right places. Some of the dresses reminded me of Grecian togas, which he belted and ruched in feminine and flattering ways, highlighting the shoulders, legs, or waistline.
Elbaz ruled the Lanvin runways for over a decade, and this year, due to differences with the company’s Board of Directors, he sadly made his exit. This dress is from his final collection, and since I have always been a fan of this line, I thought it would be apt to feature it on my blog.
It has so much going for it that I don’t know where to begin. It shows off the shoulders, legs, bustline, and waist. The front bustle is original and so perfectly placed. The minute Jeff, my husband, saw it, he gave it the two-thumbs up in a wholehearted voice of approval. Right before he began to photograph me, Robert commented, “this is a forever dress…” a phrase he learned from me a long time ago! Yes, Robert, this is a forever dress. Mr. Elbaz, you have truly outdone yourself!
