Lanvin fall 2010 Paris

The Lanvin show made me feel empowered just watching it.  Sure, the powerful woman is nothing new for Alber Ebaz.  Nor is the translation of tribal wear into a runway collection something new for fashion.  But somehow, Ebaz waved his magic wand and managed to make us forget about the cheesy tribal interpretations that have flooded the runways in past years.

Feathers were so cleverly and unexpectedly mixed with wool, satin and lace body-wrappings, not to mention large statement jewelry. Even the eveningwear was an almost literal reference to the African tribal woman, some seemingly (but not realistically) bound at the corners with knots and pins.  No surprise, however, that season after season this designer is perpetually taking detail to the next level.

In a collection including over 50 looks, the essential ingredient of Lanvin’s aggressive femininity was inherent in every piece.  In fact, until one pair of pants popped up towards the end of the show, I forgot pants existed as a wardrobe option for women.  Furthermore, a masculine-cut oversized coat existing in the same collection as a feather vest cinched at the waist?…and no one misses a beat?  Only Ebaz could bring these two women together and do it successfully. Bravo.