Dupli-Caught: Zara vrs Lanvin

Zara Face Tee Left, Lanvin Face Tee Center, Lanvin x H&M Tee Right

A recent trip to Zara surprised me because I spotted a familiar face.  The oft imitated design of Lanvin tee has been resurrected again without the blessing of Alber Elbaz.  I first spotted the tee in 2009 and it won my heart with the cheeky expression, soft bow and heart shaped lips.  And Forever 21 not being one to miss out on an opportunity promptly knocked off the tee without the bow and with many more heart graphics.  Then in 2010, Benetton surprisingly followed suit by copying the idea of tee and adding a graphic bow instead.  The tee continued to live when Alber Elbaz decided to give the public what they craved in a legitimate version through his collaboration with H&M at an affordable price point.  Now it's 2012 and perhaps Zara thought by now we would have forgotten about the origins of the face tee?  With a soft chiffon bow and wider set eyes, it's priced at $25.90.  While I have to admit even though a few years have passed since it's original incarnation, the face tee is so girly and adorable.  The question remains though after so many years do people still want this tee shirt?  Zara certainly thought so.  What are your thoughts?

First Look: Lanvin x H&M

Thanks to Fashin on the Live Journal community we have our first real look at the Lanvin x H&M Collaboration.  From what I can tell by the image above it will be a collection of perfect LBDs and jackets that will ease you into the Holiday season.  The looks definitely pull from some of the best of Alber Elbaz’s past collections as The Cut points out.  I have no problem with this as it is exactly what a capsule collection should be about - Taking the best of a designer and bringing the aesthetic to the public. Elbaz is a perfectionist and these are looks he has chosen for H&M he will carry it out to perfection.  After all he was previously quoted saying, “I have a problem to do a collection that is a secondary line. I mean, you don’t want to be the stepsister. You want to be Cinderella. Show me one girl who wants to be the stepsister”

So hoping to take my turn as Cinderella in the puff shoulder dress on the far left.  The line will comprise of 30 pieces and 15 accessories for women, and 25 pieces and 10 accessories for men.  Can’t wait to get my hands on it when it hits stores on November 23, 2010 at 200 H&M stores worldwide.

Coming Soon: H&M x Lanvin Collaboration

For days Twitter and the blogosphere have been buzzing about who the next possible H&M designer collaboration will be. Finally H&M has confirmed that Lanvin is indeed next on the roster. Artistic director Alber Elbaz, and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver will be behind the designs that will go on sale on November 23, 2010 at 200 H&M stores worldwide!

The collection will include both womenswear and menswear and will be revealed on November 2nd via a video.

Lanvin has previously collaborated with Acne, but with prices ranging from $410 for shorts to $1350 for a trench, it was more of a contemporary pricing collaboration.

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

“We are thrilled about Lanvin’s collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment. Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious French tradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men. The launch in November is going to be full of wonderful surprises.” Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

I seriously can't wait as Lanvin is seriously the epitome of glamour and sophistication. Are you as excited as I am? Peep the logo below!

Happy Belated Alber Elbaz

I already think that Alber Elbaz is not only a creative genius but an adorable personality. His iconic teddy bear appearance with giant bow ties make me want to give him a hug! Anyways I just read about another reason to love him today in the Daily Front Row and had to share. The designer's 49th Birthday had just passed 2 days ago but he was en route to New York for Lanvin's Pre-Summer presentation at Milk Studios today.

“It was most pathetic birthday celebration ever,” he told the intimate, EIC-heavy crowd. “I was at the Air France lounge waiting to get on the flight to New York, and the airline attendant presented me with a muffin. I think we both felt embarrassed." And then it got worse. Once Elbaz arrived in New York, the Mercer Hotel staff surprised him with an en suite card and cake.

“Except I was all alone and I didn’t want to be that person eating an entire cake by myself in a hotel room,” the maestro confessed. “So I tried to hide it, and it fell on the floor. I was too ashamed to call downstairs and ask for help with the clean-up, so I got on my knees and did it by myself.”

His tale melts my heart as I'm sure that we've all experienced an unfortunate birthday in our lifetime. I know that I certainly have! This makes Elbaz all the more relatable and all the more real. Fortunately the birthday misfortunes didn't last for long as following his presentation the audience broke into an impromptu round of Happy Birthday song!

Lanvin for Acne

Alber Elbaz often leaves a girl weak in the knees with his Lanvin creations. The bespectacled designer will be collaborating with Swedish denim company Acne to create a 28 piece collection that combines what NY Mag describes as "the classic style and impeccable detailing of Lanvin with the slightly rugged and hip look that Acne is famous for. Made from Italian and Japanese fabrics, the denim is minimally treated so it keeps its rich color."

I think it's a beautiful collection. The short trench, cropped brass button jacket and the strapless dress are my favorites. I only wish it was a little more affordable for my budget, prices range from $410 for shorts to $520 for jeans to $820 for a dress to $1350 for the trenches. These prices in my opinion are especially high for denim and given the state of the economy. Usually designer collaborations take a high end product and bring it into the realm of affordability. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to satisfy my Alber fix for a long time. Target or someone please hear my cries!

The entire collection will be available next week at in stores at Acne Studio, Barneys New York, and online.

Runway Review - Lanvin

When Alber Elbaz designs, the world watches. Despite his unassuming looks, he is one of the most influential designers of recent history. I wondered what he would bring to the table this season especially when noted that he had practicality in mind. “It’s more affordable to mix and match. It gives liberty and freedom to women.”

The show started in a series of separates as Elbaz's intentions stated.
What I noticed the most was the volume. The message was loud and clear. Volume at the Shoulders and Hips will definately be important. Although this silhouette is reminiscent of Balenciaga Spring 2008, it is softer and gentler ballooned shapes rather than structured and static. Elbaz, shows off his technical skills with simple fabrications in solid colors and minimal accessories. The black dress shown above, I think makes a statement, but I'm not sure it is meant to be worn by a real woman. He did offer plenty of other options and scales of volume.
I think some of the pieces would be great as separates but I don't like them necessarily styled together. I particularly like these high waisted skinny satin pants with the bow detail.Nude tones had a strong presence on the runway this season alongside Elbaz's signature jewel tones.Although this collection showed many rich jewel tones as did Lanvin Spring 2008, it was also different because these colors are richer and darker and shown in 2 and 3 tone color combinations. It was also shown in less floaty and a more controlled type of volume silhouettes.
The blue leopard print dress marked a slight change of pace for the last 8 looks of the collection. Bolder, brighter and sparklier than the rest of the collection.Some of the silhouettes were reminiscent of Resort 2009 but in a new crop of textures and colors.

The accesories started very simple and in nude tones at the beggining of the collection so not to distract. I like the neo-baroque style of the tonal plastic necklace and the simplicity of the satin heels but as a girl who loves the glitz was excited when the nude gave way to a burst of glittering, colorful chunky mass of rhinestones.I particularly love the sunglasses and these multi color pointy toe heels! Could pointy toe shoes be back?

Overall I have to give to Alber Elbaz for another strong collection. It wasn't a collection where everything spoke to my heart, but as he intended with the mix & match look, there are plenty of pieces that definitely do.

*Photos via Style.com and WWD.com