It's not any old fashion show that can wipe all trace of worry about the economy from the minds of a pack of frazzled fashion editors preoccupied with the falloff in advertising dollars.
But had anyone uttered the word "recession" during Lanvin's sublime ready-to-wear show Friday, the transfixed crowd would have almost certainly replied "what recession?"
Designer Alber Elbaz's spring-summer 2010 collection was all sumptuous fabrics, perfect buttery draping, heavy gold beading and enough luxurious details to wipe away any other thought.
It seems wrong in times of economic woe to say that such a rich collection could fit the spirit of the moment. But Lanvin's show, which faintly dripped opulence, did just that.
Each look, from the asymmetrical silk cocktail dresses to the buttery silk skirt suits to the impeccably draped coveralls was undeniably what women want now.
Standout looks from the outstanding show included a lipstick red cocktail dress with an oversized stand-up ruffle that snaked around the neckline, across the back and over the hip; a gold beaded pantsuit and metallic sweater; the perfect one-sleeved little black dress.
