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Stephanie Seymour and Alber Elbaz Talk Soup

FabSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:22 -0700

We all agree Stephanie Seymour has a perfect bod, and OK, I don't hate her, but did you know she can write too? She interviewed Lanvin's Alber Elbaz for Interview magazine - whom I happen to be intrigued by, he's so discrete yet so opinionated - and you can see what I mean by their chat over soup. I suggest you print this one out, there's lots of juicy bits . . .

For instance, have you ever noticed Lanvin's logo? In the spirit of Mother's Day, I'd like to point out it's a mother and daughter holding hands - original Lanvin designer Jeanne Lanvin and her daughter. When Elbaz took the helm at the house in 2001, he did not change the emblem. Elbaz explains, "I love and respect women. I work mostly with women. And you know, our logo for Lanvin is a mother and a daughter. I've always said, 'It's not a lion, and it's not a horse. It's a mother and a daughter.' I find the logo very emotional."

To read the rest, read more.

Another interesting fact: the entire Lanvin team eats lunch together every day. The interns are in charge of the food, and when they expressed annoyance for their seemingly mundane task, Elbaz replied: "I said to them, 'By going out and buying food for everyone, you'll get to know Paris, and you can practice your French.' I think when our relationship starts with food bringing people together, it gets deeper."

The last indicator Elbaz knows his stuff: he admits women are better drivers than men. "It's so important to have that intuition of women, that only women can give. Have you ever seen a man drive, Stephanie? They will never ask for directions, even if they're lost . . . women will ask 70 people in the first second - but they will get there sooner."

Intrigued as I? Read the rest on Interview's site.

Behind the Seams: Lanvin and Acne Jeans Blue Soiree

FabSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:00:22 -0700

We got word a while back that Alber Elbaz was working on a Lanvin denim collection with Acne Jeans. At last the collaboration has come to fruition and where there's a new collection, there's a party. Eva Mendes, Liv Tyler, and Rachel Zoe all put on something blue and celebrated alongside Alber Elbaz at Hotel de Crillon in Paris (where the Crillon Ball was held on The Hills). Lucky ducks! There were balloons floating, models in denim roaming, and lots of posing. Step inside the fabulous shindig.

To see more from the party, read more

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Fashion Metamorphosis: Yves Saint Laurent

FabSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With the unfortunate passing of one of fashion's greatest inspirations, Yves Saint Laurent, I thought it would be fitting to take you through the fashion metamorphosis of Yves himself, his revolutionary brand, and its many successors. What many people don't know is that YSL officially started in the fashion business when Christian Dior died in October of 1957. At the age of 21, Yves was thrust into the spotlight, and more importantly, into the role of head designer of the house of Dior. Talk about moving on up, quickly.

(L-R: Model Danielle Sauvajeon in Paris fashion show in 1968; Fall '94; Spring '02 RTW; Fall '08 RTW)

During his three-year stint at Dior, YSL set trends such as midcalf skirts when his competitors were showing knee-length. He introduced black leather jackets trimmed in fur in his "chic Beatnik" collection; it was heavily criticized. But that didn't stop him. All it did was fuel him to start his own business in 1961. His first collection wasn't so well-received, but his second collection elevated him to the status of Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy.

To hear more about the evolution of Yves Saint Laurent, read more

Unlike Balenciaga, Chanel, and Givenchy, however, YSL always shifted gears and rarely stuck to one look from season to season. What set him apart is that he was able to see that fashion came from the youth of the streets. He was able to understand that people wanted clothes that can translate from day to evening. Hence why he introduced his revolutionary CityPant collection and the women's tuxedo suit, "le smoking." In 1991, ready-to-wear was briefly handed over to Alber Elbaz, who was appointed by YSL himself, but he was dropped after three seasons. That's when Tom Ford stepped in. It's no secret, though, that YSL wasn't very fond of where Tom was leading the brand. In 2002, YSL retired completely, and the future of the house is now in the hands of current creative director, Stefano Pilati, who took over in 2004. Who knows where the brand will go from here, but one thing is certain: Yves Saint Laurent's creative genius will sorely be missed.

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On Our Radar: Alber Elbaz To Do Lanvin Jeans

FabSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:00:08 -0700

We all love those exquisite Lanvin party frocks, but how about something more wearable for the everyday?

That's just what Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz has in mind. He's in talks to create his first jeans line together with Acne Jeans. While no contract has been signed yet, Alber already has visions of Lanvin jeans in a variety of styles debuting in 2009: "What if you don't want to wear a skinny jean? It's time to go back to a product that has a dream to it. It's being created out of a need." And that's that.

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On Our Radar: Alber Elbaz Launches Bridal Collection

FabSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:00:22 -0700

Brides-to-be who want a little avant-garde for their big day can now look to Lanvin. Despite his hectic schedule, Alber Elbaz has squeezed in a bridal collection for Lanvin called Collection Blanche. His tongue-in-cheek creations hit the Dover Street Market display windows a few weeks ago. They include a kaftan (for the bride in the sun), a trench (for the on-the-go gal), a tulle cardigan (for the romantic), and many other styles that go against the classic grain. Innovative indeed, but did we expect anything different from a man who sports a bow tie nearly as big as his head?

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Best of 2007: Most Fab Designer

FabSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:00:22 -0800

You voted Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga for best designer of 2007. After much deliberation, Fab's vote goes to Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. It was a very tough decision, but I think we can all agree that the Fall collection teased a little something and the Spring collection was a full-blown fashion orgasm. We can't wait to see what's next for the house of Lanvin. One thing we know for sure: More retail stores and product expansions are on the horizon.

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Who Was the Most Fab Designer of 2007?

FabSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:00:22 -0800

This morning one of the Pop girls declared: "I can't believe it's December." It always seems to creep up on you - the end of the year, that is. Alas, time flies when you're having fun! And fashion is just that. But it is time to decide which designer gets the Fab crown for Most Fab Designer of 2007. Last year, Phillip Lim won, and he has made great strides this year - maybe we sent him some good vibes.

(L-R: Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Alexander Wang)

I present to you the candidates for Most Fab Designer of 2007. Chanel is a crowd pleaser and red carpet stunner. Karl continues to reinvent the house, for both ready-to-wear and haute couture, and the accessories inspire and intrigue. Balenciaga, led by wünderkind Nicolas Ghesquière, is edgy, innovative, and a leader of the pack. The piped blazers from the Fall collection launched a thousand look-a-likes, and now Ikat prints are all the rage. Roberto Cavalli is a designer with gusto, one who doesn't follow the trends and always stays true to form - sexy, colorful, and glittering party looks. His collection for H&M was possibly one of the most coveted H&M designer collections yet. Alber Elbaz for Lanvin can do no wrong, from fluid tailoring to jewel-toned dresses. Everyone is wondering what this humble designer will do next. Lastly, the young and restless Alexander Wang. He's the BFF of models and Hollywood darlings. His streetwise style appeals to cool trendsetters. Nuff said. So . . . who has your vote?!

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Happy 140th Birthday, Bazaar!

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:00:22 -0800

Pick up the November issue of Harper's Bazaar and you'll soon realize that one of the greatest fashion magazines, started in 1867, is celebrating it's big 1-4-0! In a world so fickle, lasting that long in any industry is not easy. So let's put our hands together, clear our throats, and sing one of our favorite mags a happy birthday.

In celebration, this month's issue features quotes from the most influential designers today. They were asked former Bazaar columnist Diana Vreeland's famous question, "Why don't you?" and here's what some had to say...

"Why don't you have a different pair of fabulous heels for each day of the week? Especially on the weekends!" - Donatella Versace
"Why don't you break your limit of conventions and dress yourself over-the-top passionately? - Olivier Theyskens, Nina Ricci
"Why don't you wear a short dress to a black-tie gala?" - Alber Elbaz, Lanvin
"Why don't you belt your boyfriend's shirt and wear it as a dress?" - Ralph Lauren
"Why don't you step out in playful polka dots? - Oscar De La Renta

To see more gorgeous Bazaar covers, read more

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Fab Read: Lanvin

FabSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:50:33 -0700

If you've ever wondered who the sartorial genius was behind the famous French label, Lanvin, then I recommend the petite book Lanvin, $13, by French novelist Elizabeth Barille. It offers an inside look at the life and work of Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946), the woman behind the label once known for its mother-and-daughter ensembles and most recently recognized for its jewel-toned frocks.

Although in 2001 Alber Elbaz was appointed Lanvin's artistic director, there's a lot of rich history to be learned about the lady who started the legendary brand in the early 1900s. Not to mention some beautiful photographs and illustrations!

To see Alber and some of Lanvin's Fall/Winter '07 collection, read more

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The Full-On Fashion Crowd at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

FabSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:22 -0800

It was a fashion explosion last night at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards. Designers, models, editors, photographers, and muses gathered in NYC to see who would win the grand prize - $200,000 and a year of mentoring. Presenters included Lanvin's Alber Elbaz and Nicole Kidman, while Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg played hostesses. Models and actresses dressed up to the freshest of American designers - there were smiles all around. The biggest smile was worn by the winner, Brooklyn-born designer Sophie Theallet, and the runners-up were Patrik Ervell and Monique Pean. Go behind-the-scenes with Vogue and see Sophie's post-win tweet. Congrats to all!
Source: Getty

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