Who is Lanvin?

Well, I'm going to tell you!
I saw this photo pf Blake Lively (I am a huge fan of hers and I think that she is the next Diane Kruger- who is an actress and Chanel's muse)


and when it said she was wearing Lanvin, I had to stop and investigate.  I've heard of Lanvin, usually in the pages of In Style with Dior and Chanel....but for this Syracuse girl, Lanvin didn't hit home with me until Blake stepped out in this Spring 2011 creation (weeks before it was supposed to be revealed, which shows you what a fashion icon she already is!)


So I decided to do some research, and figure out what Lanvin is all about!

One of the most influential designers of the 1920s and '30s, Jeanne Lanvin's skillful use of intricate trimmings, virtuoso embroideries and beaded decorations in clear, light, floral colors became a Lanvin trademark. 
Lanvin made such beautiful clothes for her daughter that they began to attract the attention of a number of wealthy people who requested copies for their own children. Soon, Lanvin was making dresses for their mothers, and some of the most famous names in Europe were included in the clientele of her new boutique. 1909, Lanvin joined the Syndicat de la Couture, which marked her formal status as a couturière.

In the 90s, Lanvin was bought out by the Louis Vuitton empire, then Loreal bought them in 1994.  Lanvin went private again a few years later.  Then in 2001Alber Elbaz changed the signature presentation of the line, and introduced Jeanne Lanvin's favorite flower as the trademark, the forget-me-not.

In 2009, Lanvin made huge headlines when Michelle Obama wore a pair of their leather sneakers ($540), leading to Lanvin opening their first boutique in the United States in 2009 in Florida.  In July this past year, they opened a shop in NYC.


I went through the Spring 2011 collection in detail, and I was immediately awe-struck by the trends:
-Longer length hems
-"Bug" jewelry
-Leather Accents


Skirt $3850

Necklace $1750


Necklace $2850


Necklace $2850





Its just an incredible line!!  I'm certainly not in the market for a $2800 necklace with a bug on it, but you can appreciate the style, and there are ways to incorporate it into your Spring look!

Try a pin, like this vintage bee pin for $17.50 on your sweater or suit jacket

http://www.stonehillcollectibles.com/product/vintage-goldtone-bee-pin-signed-sarah-coventry-charming-bug-jewelry

This long lace skirt in black is fabulous, you can really dress it up or down


$194 Torn, by Ronny Kobo



Try a great pair of leather wedges:

"Pali" by Dolce Vita, at Lord & Taylor $89

These are made by Born, which an incredibly comfortable line that works for all types of feet!  (PS- they make incredible men's shoes too!)
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=545883&CategoryID=17570&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D2%26spc%3D561
Cutie Wedge Sandals by Born $98 at Macys

Try a leather belt to accessorize, in a light brown or a camel color:
Land's End, $30



Here is an inexpensive version from JC Penny for $18


And hey, any designer that has a "Rosa" bag HAS to be awesome?  Right?