Lanvin's 100th Anniversary Celebration: A Plush Fall Collection
Lanvin, a fashion house with a rich history in menswear, is marking its 100th year with a special fall collection that draws inspiration from its past. Artistic director Peter Copping has crafted a collection that pays homage to the brand's heritage while incorporating elements from Lanvin's women's pre-fall collection, which was inspired by a trip to Venice in the 1920s. This trip, shared by founder Jeanne Lanvin and her niece Marianne, has left a lasting impression on the brand's creative direction.
The collection showcases a variety of textures and prints, including Fortuny pleating on tuxedo pants, mottled prints reminiscent of mid-century Murano glassware on camp shirts, and plush velvet jacquards from the renowned Venetian textile firm, Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua, dating back to 1499. These luxurious fabrics are used for jeans, denim jackets, and slippers, adding a touch of opulence to the collection.
Copping's attention to detail extends beyond the fabrics. He has transformed one of Lanvin's showrooms into a gentleman's living room, featuring a weathered hoodie draped over an Art Deco chair and a leather pouch on a silver plinth. This unique setting adds a layer of sophistication to the collection.
The collection also embraces a subtle '80s vibe with sweaters featuring asymmetrical collars and video arcade-inspired stripes. Animal prints, including a nod to the ocelot fur used by Armand-Albert Rateau in his designs, add a playful element. However, Copping's overall vision is a sophisticated, timeless, and heirloom-quality aesthetic.
Archival embroideries, originally designed for cocktail dresses, are reimagined on dark dress shirts, giving them a modern twist. A brushed alpaca cocoon coat exudes a sense of timeless elegance, suggesting it could be passed down through generations.
In terms of footwear, Lanvin is moving away from its iconic Curb skating shoe, but Copping introduces a lighter version with a sock-like upper and a new low-profile sneaker with trapunto stitching, dubbed the Lnv2. This innovative shoe is poised to become a hit, combining comfort and style.
Lanvin's 100th anniversary collection is a testament to the brand's ability to blend tradition with modern flair, creating a collection that is both timeless and captivating.
