Lanvin SS15

Initial reaction:

Women, as opposed to girls, the world over have swooned at Alber Elbaz's feet, thanking him for dressing them. So to celebrate Lanvin's 125th anniversary, a greatest hits of models that included the likes of Violetta Sanchez (a former model and muse for Yves Saint Laurent), Amber Valletta, Kirsten Owen, Malgosia Bela and Audrey Marnay all took to the runway to show why women are so grateful to Elbaz. As always, Elbaz created a wardrobe that ran the gamut from the austere to the playful to the opulent. The something for everyone approach is a tricky game to play, but Elbaz has it down to a pat. Much like the women his runway, Elbaz exudes confidence at a house he can call his own.

Deep V:

Kimye were holding up the show in a chaotic pre-show scramble as they drew attention with their matching his 'n' hers show of chest and cleavage. Intentionally or not, Elbaz was also drawing V shapes down the front – be it through fine chain necklaces, sharp masculine tailoring, billowing jumpsuits and tunics or tulle and lace LBDs. Malgosia Bela was giving Kim Kardashian a run for her money with an oversized double breasted jacket worn simply with a net top and a white skirt.

Models can speak:

Earlier during New York Fashion Week, curator Olivier Saillard staged a show entitled "Models Never Talk". It featured Lanvin opener Violetta Sanchez, who talked about wearing Yves Saint Laurent couture and the way it made her feel. It was a performance that showcased older models that were more than just anonymous clothes horses. They had relationships with the designers and they walked with purpose and identity. That was probably part of the reason why Elbaz casted a multi-generational group of models for this show. This diverse cast of women and their distinct looks highlighted the different aspects of the collection or facets of a woman – you can be girly with pearls and lace or sexy with thigh-high splits and deep V's or masculine with sharp tailored jackets. Celebrating models who have something to say definitely proves that the Lanvin woman isn't type cast.