125 years – Lanvin and Alber Elbaz : a journey without faults

The fashion house Lanvin celebrates its 125th anniversary, the opportunity to look back over the awakening of the sleeping beauty, Alber Elbaz who since 2001 reworks the codes of the Parisian label…The fashion house Lanvin celebrates its 125th anniversary, the opportunity to look back over the awakening of the sleeping beauty, Alber Elbaz who since 2001 reworks the stylistic codes of the Parisian label, the oldest fashion house opened by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889, and which the logo of a mother and her child are still a strong emblem. Born in Casablanca, Alber Elbaz did his studies in Tel Aviv in Israel. It’s in New York, whilst working at Geoffrey Beene, that he was noticed. In 1996 he was called to Paris at Guy Laroche and over time worked his way up of the house. Pierre Bergé came to take him for Yves Saint Laurent in 98. He is head of Prêt à Porter for three seasons. In 2000, Tom Ford and the Gucci Group buy Yves Saint Laurent, Alber Elbaz has to leave. A winning return in 2001 with Lanvin to reinvent the label. Today his delicate, sensual and timeless style make him the press and buyers’ favourite. With him, it’s not so much extravagance but real clothes: he dresses women, and doesn’t disguise them. Each fashion show is a different story, with which he reinvents the classic items of a feminine wardrobe, developing the stylistic codes of the house. These collections in discreet sophistication. Linda Evangelista, top model of the 90s is even ready to strut down again the catwalk, just to celebrate the talent of Alber…And Pierre Bergé, sees him as a disciple of Yves Saint Laurent. For the 125th year, an older, more connected than ever woman, and for the occasion communicates via social media, with a facebook and pinterest account, with in progress a retrospective in Galliera next March, which promise high expectations. Interviews: Linda Evangelista: I think he’s just very, very talented, and when I met him we connected very well, he has a good reputation in this business, and it’s a pleasure to be here. Pierre Bergé: Alber is an extraordinary designer, excessively intelligent, even cunning but knows what he wants and full of humour, a great sense of humour and all that he sees, Alber takes his job seriously but without being too serious and it’s that which lots of designers today should try to mediate.