Daily Front Row

2009 April 3

Love for Lanvin

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Glenda Bailey and Alber Elbaz
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(NEW YORK) It seemed that the contagious energy of the Lanvin Fall ’09 Paris show would be impossible to duplicate. After all, it featured an elaborate rose petal-strewn set, servings of chocolate-covered cherries, and an unforgettably upbeat model-march finale. For last night's presentation of the collection at a private club sponsored by Bergdorf Goodman, roses, petals, and models were all part of the program. This time, the very intimate audience got something even Europe couldn’t offer--a lively commentary by Alber Elbaz himself. “This is quite fabulous,” said the popular designer. “I’m leaving at 7 a.m. in the morning tomorrow morning, so this trip a three-day express. After spending twelve wonderful years in the city, this is like a homecoming.”

Predictably, Elbaz was surrounded by fans. Linda Fargo made sure to schedule her short ski trip in advance of the event, while Jim Gold was quick to praise the Israeli-born master. “He’s the best of the best,” put the Bergdorf Goodman president and CEO simply enough, “because he makes women dream and then swiftly makes their dreams come true.” The humble designer, of course, offered a quick comeback. “I’ve engaged in the protein diet in my pursuit of looking like Jim,” he laughed. “But I cheated of course--a little bit. I have to have my Chinese food!” Sally Singer, Hamish Bowles, Olivia Chantecaille, Michael Carl, Stephano Tonchi, Nina Garcia, CeCe Cord and Anh Duong were among the many who caught the show for the second time. Glenn O’Brien stamped his ticket twice as well, but this time he had a date--his wife, Gina Nanni. “Being at the fashion show together is certainly a rare occurrence for us,” he noted.

Anne Slowey experienced a mini-milestone. “At last, I was front row at the Lanvin show!” she laughed. “And whenever Alber opens his mouth, it makes everyone and everything else seem meaningless.” Glenda Bailey agreed with that notion as she imagined her ideal Gotham day with one of her favorite designers. “We would have a very lazy brunch, followed by a bit of wandering around great exhibits, followed by a very lazy dinner,” the editrix declared. “There would be lots of laughter and lots of fun as usual!” But Elbaz refused to let the love to straight to his head. “Jim called me the best of the best, which of course is a great compliment,” he smiled. “But I worry about becoming a Miss America of fashion designers. Everyone wants your crown!”
VALENTINE UHOVSKI