Lanvin Pre-Fall 2024 Lookbook

As the anticipation builds for the revelation of Lanvin's new creative director, the fashion world is abuzz with expectations surrounding the Pre-Fall 2024 collection. With the departure of Alber Elbaz eight years ago, this collection is not merely a palate cleanser but is poised to mark the beginning of a renaissance for Lanvin, the oldest continuously operating couture house globally.

Under the meticulous guidance of deputy general manager Siddhartha Shukla, who has honed his expertise at esteemed fashion houses such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Theory, Lanvin is undergoing a transformation. Shukla, a product specialist, has spent the past two years reimagining the brand's merchandising strategy while delving into the rich legacy of Jeanne Lanvin. Jeanne, a proto-feminist and a creative polymath, founded the house in 1889, leaving behind a legacy that demands contemporary interpretation.

"Lanvin cannot be the house that disappeared," asserts Shukla during a showroom visit near Parc Monceau. Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, the team is determined to revive Lanvin by modernizing its essence. The pursuit of the ultimate French chic, a principle dear to Jeanne Lanvin, is at the forefront of this rejuvenation effort.

The collection reflects a strategic focus on elevating daywear, exemplified by a café au lait jumpsuit, Japanese dry wool tailoring for both women and men, and a knit dress with a pointillist twist. Adorning bijoux is elevated to an identity statement, with a feline element inspired by a Rateau screen prominently featured on a double-face wool peacoat and sculptural handbag handles.

Nancy Cunard's multifaceted persona—writer, heiress, arts patron, social-justice advocate—provides a thematic link to masculine tropes and bohemia. This influence is evident in the collection through grain de poudre suiting and timeless gowns, showcasing Lanvin's commitment to finding strength in simplicity.

The brand's dedication to simplicity is further highlighted by pairings such as an absinthe green napa cape with a pleated shirtdress in silk organza, and a men's wool jacket in the same hue. A delicate openwork knit pays homage to Art Deco motifs, while a lush fuchsia knit is complemented by a matching scarf.

Shukla humorously quips, "It's about addressing the things that are important to a Lanvin woman, like waking up in the morning and not putting on a cocktail dress." This shift is embodied by the inclusion of sneakers as only one of several potential outcomes in a house originally conceived to accommodate diverse product lines.

As the fashion world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Lanvin's next chapter, it is undeniable that the Pre-Fall 2024 collection signals a thoughtful blend of heritage and modernity, reflecting a meticulous approach to revitalizing the timeless legacy of this iconic couture house. The unfolding narrative of Lanvin's trajectory promises to be one of the most closely monitored stories of the season.