


Virginia Ray. UK born. CT living. NYC fashion editor aspiring. Loves traveling (Paris, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Venice, Kyoto, Tokyo, Munich), & eating (pastries at Ladurée, chocolate soufflé at the George V, goat cheese pierogi at The Stanton Social), & drinking (bellinis at Cipriani, mojitos at The Rose Bar). In awe of Sergeant, Ingres, and Chasseriau. Craves Givenchy, Lanvin, McQueen, and Balmain.
I don't suppose I can ever stop singing praises for Alber Elbaz and Lanvin - this season Elbaz churned up yet another collection of lovelies for me to drool over. To be honest, this wasn't my favorite collection by the designer (not every collection can be a gift from the gods!), but there was still a lot to be excited about. The color palette was really lovely in subdued greys and dim hues. The styling for the shows is always spot on - I'm so glad my long leather gloves I was wearing all winter will come in handy again this coming fall! I'm ranking the first dress as my favorite, but it isn't an easy decision to make. Sorry for the brief post, I have to get to the library and study study STUDY!
People who know my blog well enough know that Lanvin is my absolute favorite; I consider Alber Elbaz to be a saint. Lanvin was even in my first runway post for my blog (along with Balmain). So I have a lot of love for Lanvin! Did I mention I have a tumblr dedicated to Lanvin? Oh, well I do! Anyway, this past season was no different than the last ones: gorgeous. I've posted the collection before, but it's nice to look at the intricate sequins and beyond amazing accessories - so here they are!
Generally speaking, ruffles are really not "my thing." I find them somewhat unflattering when it comes to exaggerating the figure and all too often childish. Spring 2010, however, produced two shows in which I was head-over-heels with ruffles for the first time in my life: Stella McCartney and Lanvin. McCartney and Elbaz had completely different takes on the look - while McCartney's looks were young and flirty, Elbaz designed something far more sleek and mature. To open my closet and see any of these looks would be unworldly - last night I dreamed of wearing the first look by Stella with a loose black cropped trouser and louboutins: perfection! The only thing that could have made it any better is if I had the white Lanvin dress on Magdalena to change into afterwards! Anyway, who do you think does it better? All runway images from coutorture.
If you've been reading my blog for some time now, you likely have picked up on my not-so-subtle hints over my adoration for Alber Elbaz and his creations; and now it is time to swoon over his latest collection for Lanvin. The critics all seem to be loving Elbaz right now and there is no question as to why - he, quite simply, makes beautiful clothes. Each season I expect some sort of slip up, some kind of dissapointment - and I'm still waiting! Here are my favorites from the collection, all of which are from style.com and The Moment blog.
He is pure amazing, in human form. There is no other way to describe Mr. Elbaz. I could seriously devote a whole blog to my love for this man and Lanvin...
I know I KNOW, it seems like the moment the fall runways are presented, the spring ones seem so irrelevant (even if we are still in April!), but in order to keep the spirit of good weather alive and well, I'm going to mention just a fewwww of my loves for spring. Don't get too excited now...
Lanvin: OK. So I can't even pick a favorite from Lanvin for Spring, because each look was too gorgeous and equally desireable. I loved all the one shouldered, puffed sleeve shirts tucked into little skirts and the interesting way everything was tailored. Alber Elbaz kept everything so simple, but completely lovely. Gah, I love that man. See the video of the Lanvin show here.
"PORTRAIT OF A LADY" by Rogier Van Der Weyden (c. 1460, oil on panel): One of my favorite paintings, ever. There is something this painting possesses that I simply can't quite put my finger on, but it is brilliant. For my last birthday I had my parents get me a good replica made, and now it is framed and in my room (proof of my adoration!). I'm a big fan of Dutch paintings, and this one tops that list.
"CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL" by Carvaggio (1600, oil on cyprus wood): I always quite liked the Baroque period in art history - something about the dark colors and violent imagery lends to an interesting painting! Part of Carvaggio's appeal to me is his biography (the man walked around with a sword and ended up spending his life on the run after killing someone), but this painting is such an amazing piece of work.
"THE GRAND ODALISQUE" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Inges (1780, oil on canvas): The woman in this painting may have quite obviously freakish proportions, but the glow and colors of this painting are absolutely lovely. I always approach art from an aesthetic point of view (I don't know anything about art except whether or not it pleases my eye!), and this image has always been very attractive to me.