Lanvin Cruise 2012

Despite being in the middle of the winter doldrums, Lanvin’s cruise 2012 collection, a 34-look behemoth of sultry, sophisticated and edgy looks in muted hues and ethereal fabrics, makes one yearn for an exotic getaway. The collection includes beautiful draped dresses and jumpsuits of chartreuse, periwinkle, ivory and fawn. There are sleek and structured black separates: high-waisted shorts, trench coats and maxi skirts as well as colorful flapper-inspired fringe shift dresses.



In true cruise collection design, one-piece swimsuits in black and raspberry make an appearance, and a jewel-embellished two-piece. But the most successful garments in the collection are the screen-printed sparkling diamond harem pants, slouchy blazers and tunic pieces, which are innovative and have a cosmic-inspired feel to them. They maintain sophistication, as to not stray from the feel of the entire collection, but bring an element of edginess and an air expectedness, which works successfully with the rest of the line.



Alber Elbaz’s inspirations for the collection (including Madame Gres, Elizabeth Taylor and Princes Harry and William) are evident through the regal details like luxe embellishments on some pieces and voluminous shapes. Quirky accessories like tweed fedoras, floppy straw hats, jewel-encrusted turbans, piles of statement necklaces and bracelets and oversized sunglasses make the collection playful and worthy of a “cruise” title.


By Juliet De Rose