Everyone Loves Lanvin and Alber Elbaz's Voice

In his tenth year as man of the Lanvin house, Alber Elbaz dazzled crowds at his Paris runway show. The bow-tied, bespectacled designer is one of the most well-liked names in fashion; he’s hospitable, humble, and knows how to make clothes that flatter a woman’s body. Elbaz provides delicious treats at every show.

"I always think, if I were an editor, and I was invited to a show, and I would have to wait for 45 minutes in the dark, or in the cold, or in the heat, maybe I would like to have a fresh drink or a piece of chocolate.," Elbaz told WWD. "Maybe I would love to enjoy a sandwich."

As far as Lanvin's fall 2012 RTW collection went, we saw lots of ruffles. (The good kind.) Every piece seemed to wrap around just right. As a whole, the looks had everything in every color. Lanvin’s pieces covered plenty of ground from solid, bold hues to black, brocade and jeweled patterns, including cinched belts and soft textures. At the end of the show, Elbaz sang “Que Sera Sera” with a band accompaniment. Even though he was self-conscious about his singing voice, Elbaz managed to make everyone smile, since critics and guests alike described it with one word: adorable.

Text Emily Thomas
Source and Image WWD and Fabsugar

Face Time With Lanvin

Geek just got way chicer, and this time around, you don’t have Harry Potter or Tina Fey to thank. French fashion house Lanvin just announced that they’re launching a glasses line for the spring. (After all, who hasn’t been dying to get a pair like head designer Alber Elbaz’s, anyway?) The fashion favorite, who just arrived on the sunglasses scene, as well, is sure to find four-eyed fans of its line of frames, which vary from thick, retro specs to the industrial aesthetic Elbaz is so well known for.

As excited as we are about Lanvin’s sunglasses, we predict all eyes will be on the glasses line — admit it, that cat-eyed pair pictured above has you rethinking your Lasik surgery. And, if the phrase “Lanvin eyewear” doesn’t already have you in a tizzy, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the collection. Talk about specs appeal!

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source Racked.com

The Bigger the Buckle, the Better

Strap yourselves into your next outfit with a fun accessory that is sure to make a strong fashion statement, because big buckle belts are stealing the spotlight! While we have all used this particular accent piece as a mere waist-defining accessory, this fashion staple has definitely transformed into something bigger and better. Already attracting quite a lot of attention from celebrity trendsetters like Rooney Mara and Byrdie Bell, this stylish accessory will undoubtedly be popular for the spring 2012 season. Although these large buckle belts have appeared on the spring runways of acclaimed designers by the likes of Phoebe Philo, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lanvin, there is an assortment of affordable alternatives to choose from that won't break the bank.

If you are worried about splurging on this bold trend, try Banana Republic's Leather Contour Belt, which costs $50 and introduces a sleek, effortless look to any outfit in need of cinching. Lauren by Ralph Lauren also has a less-expensive substitute for this spring accessory, with a $38 Patent Stretch Belt that can spice up any outfit and help you feel chic and sexy. So, add this eye-catching statement piece to your wardrobe and stand out from the crowd in a stylishly cinched frock.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source Who What Wear

It Takes Two to Tango

The Pantone Color Institute recently announced that Tangerine Tango will takeover as the color of the year for 2012, replacing 2011's Honeysuckle. The institute describes the hue as a “spirited reddish orange [that] continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.”

Popularity for this shade is seen in the fashion world, as many designers incorporated the orange hue in their spring 2012 collections. The Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2012 highlights designers such as Elie Tahari, Cynthia Steffe, and Nanette Lepore, who used this flavorful color in their collections. The report also highlights other must-have shades of the upcoming season, which include Solar Power (a bright yellow), Margarita (muted green), and Cabaret (punchy pink), among others.

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, sums it up well: “Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism, and the promise of a brighter day.” Tango Tangerine certainly fits the bill for this and will provide a hint of spice to your spring wardrobe.

Check out some juicy handbags in the spicy shade for spring after the jump…

Lady in Red, Again and Again

The topic of the thirteenth annual New York Fashion Conference has been revealed: "Red: Allure, Style, and Significance." Who would've thought that the power of red was something large enough to be discussed at this yearly event — better yet, who thought it wasn't?

The dashing power color is a recurring favorite for many top designers, including Dior, Lanvin, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent. During the conference, the history of red will be examined, as well as its birth into the world of fashion and its psychological symbolism, which has a prime role in all cultures across the board.

The event is scheduled to take place at CUNY on the weekend of Dec. 3. Award-winning filmmaker Matt Tyranauer and InStyle Magazine creative director Hal Rubenstein will share a few words, along with the authors of Pantone: The 20th Century in Color, Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker.

If you could ask one question about the power of this ever-recurring color of fashion, what would it be?

Text Brittney Schering
Image Marie Claire

Saskia de Brauw Creates Perfection in Vogue Italia

Saskia de Brauw teamed up with Paolo Roversi to perfect the incredibly cinematic editorial in Vogue Italia's October 2011 issue. She previously worked with fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel's 2012 Cruise collection, as well as with Lagerfeld and Stella Tennant for the September 2011 cover of Numero.

Ranked as number thirteen in the Top 50 of Models.com, it's evident that glamorous Dutch artist and model Saskia de Brauw has what it takes to create elegant perfection. De Brauw recently worked with agencies in New York, London, and Paris — including projects alongside Lanvin and Givenchy. She also graced the October 2011 cover of Dazed & Confused.

It's no wonder that the beauty has been nothing short of crazy busy, and we have a feeling that this will not come to a close anytime soon. We expect to see much more of this model in the near future.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

Fall Trend: Delicate Lace

 

From demure to sexy, the latest captivating fashion trend is lace. The once-sultry fabric has taken on a whole new feel — from shoes to shirts to dresses. Lace has hit the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, and more, as designers fall for its sheer elegance. 


One delicate and romantic take on the style is a short, sweet, and simple cocktail dress. To sport a more dramatic ensemble, select a full skirt or floor-length lace dress. A covered-up neckline and a nude or black slip layered underneath maintains flirty yet sophisticated elements, without revealing too much.

The key to pulling off this peek-a-boo style is to adorn yourself with just a touch of lace. A lacy pair of tights adds instant éclat to an LBD or a lace clutch with jeans, while a pair of lace pumps adds polish to any modest outfit, like a white T-shirt and loose-fitting boyfriend jeans.

Mixing the super-feminine fabric with menswear is the perfect transition from summer to fall. A lace skirt with a tailored blazer, or a lacy cami over a knit sweater, are flirty takes on this bold pattern. 

Text Tiffany Frasier
Images courtesy of Lanvin, Jason Wu, Dolce & Gabbana, Elle Tahari, and DKNY