Lanvin S/S 2018

Mood board: The transition from Bouchra Jarrar to Olivier Lapidus as art director of the famed French maison was made in July, which means the French designer has barely had two months to turn in his first collection for the maison. That’s virtually no time, even by today’s frenzied fashion standards. Still Lapidus managed to whip a collection together, one that had more than a wink to the nineties – the elevated catwalk, the basic black dresse, often with asymetrical cuts, the newfound logomania – giving it a genuinely Parisian twist during the show through a soundtrack full of Arletty and Barbara songs. It will be intriguing to see where Lapidus takes the brand in the future. Time will tell.
Scene setting: A minimal black and white catwalk was set up in the Grand Palais’ Salon d’Honneur, with a set of lights illuminating each model from up high. One thing was noteworthy: in the aftermath of the casting scandals which last season splashed over more than one brand, the model selection in yesterday's show was one of the most diverse we have yet seen in Paris: white models’ presence was sparing, most of them being Asian (will most of Lapidus’ Lanvin clients be Asian? That’s an interesting question). Interesting trivia, the show also marked the return of Sasha Pivovarova to the runway.
Finishing touches: Not only has the house’s pret-à-porter has taken a surprising new direction; so have the accessories. Prominently featured were Lanvin’s new bags, logoed to the max and very on-trend; even if the logo, sometimes spelled in studs, was not immediately recognisable. It will be interesting to see the development of the accessories in the next few seasons – for a house like Lanvin, they could have an enormous potential.
Lanvin S/S 2018
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
At this secret NYC hangout, the drinks are strong and the vibes are stronger
For People's bar, Workstead serves up a good time
By Anna Fixsen
-
‘Fall Guy’ director David Leitch takes us inside his breathtaking Los Angeles home
For movie power couple David Leitch and Kelly McCormick, interior designer Vanessa Alexander crafts a home with the ultimate Hollywood ending
By Anna Fixsen
-
Real or imaginary? Step inside the alternate world of Jeff Wall's photographs
Jeff Wall's major show at MAAT in Portugal dives into four decades of the photographer's career
By Emily Steer
-
Palace unites with Rapha to celebrate inaugural Tour de France Femmes
Marking the first time women will compete in the historic cycling race since the late 1980s, this new collaboration sees Palace Skateboards and Rapha create uniforms for both on and off the bike – including an ‘outlandish’ pair of Crocs
By Jack Moss
-
Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022: Chanel to Miu Miu
In this extended report, Wallpaper* updates you live from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022 shows, with rolling coverage as runway events unfold
By Jack Moss
-
Scene-stealing runway sets from S/S 2022 womenswear shows
From giant roulette wheels to Olympic diving boards and multi-city synchronized extravaganzas – our pick of the best fashion show sets from S/S 2022 womenswear
By Laura Hawkins
-
Louis Vuitton A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins
-
Chanel A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s
By Laura Hawkins
-
Y/Project A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins
-
Sacai A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins
-
Alexander McQueen A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s
By Laura Hawkins