But I wanted lanvin!

Here I go breaking rules again by posting a video to Savoir Faire. However this time it is not the airlines that are making me break the rules, but Lanvin! If you are going to break rules you might as well do them with Savoir Faire!

H&M and Lanvin have finally released a preview of the collection due to hit stores on November 23rd.

"I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public," he said in a statement. "A designer's work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream of luxury to the masses.

With the current trend for mini movies for perfume and fashion launches (think Halston Heritage here) this video does not disappoint. The collection designed for different age groups and price ranges will give people the opportunity for a bit of Lanvin Savoir Faire! I know that I will be lining up!

Mainstream Savoir Faire

I am not usually a fan of the H&M designer collaborations, however last year did see me line up for the Jimmy Choo diversion collection at H&M. While I was not overly impressed with the women’s wear and shoes, I did snap up for myself the men’s jeans and a pair of brown suede Chelsea Boots. I have to say that jeans have served me well and are one of my favourite pairs and the boots, I just adore.

It is with anticipation now that I wait for the next collaboration which is with Lanvin! Both women’s wear and menswear will be available, and I would be telling a lie to say I cannot wait! I used to think of myself as too old to line up, however am definitely considering doing this on November 20th when the collection is released. A preview will be released on November 2nd, so this might be the deciding factor!

"It wasn't a project about a dress for less," Elbaz (artistic director for Lanvin says. "I think I loved the idea that H&M is going luxury, rather than Lanvin is going public. I thought it was a smart project so I say, 'I do.'" And so do I.

Lanvin Robe de Style Savoir Faire

The 1920’s were an interesting times in Paris, especially where fashion was concerned. World War I had ended and the devastating effects of the Depression were a long way off. Paul Poiret, who had helped liberate women on the fashion stage, was on the way out and Chanel was in. le garcons ruled, with her shapeless body and shingled hair dancing the Charleston and drinking cocktails.


All the couturiers adopted this look, except one! The amazing Jeanne Lanvin, whose signature look was the “robe de style”. Other couture houses such as Callot Soeurs and Lucille had their own versions, however none were as successful as Lanvin’s. This was an alternative to the rather shapeless, straight cut chemise which was the height of fashion. Lanvin’s “robe de styles” were characterised by full skirts, with a dropped waist and fitted bodice. Petticoats, panniers and hoops emphasised the fullness of the skirts. These were then further embellished with intricate trimmings and extraordinary embroideries.

This was a look for a woman who did not have the figure to wear the tubular lines of the likes of Chanel or Patou. This was couture with an historical reference, harking back to the Infanta dresses of Spain. It was meant for afternoon teas, and tango dancing in the park; a kind of a cocktail, semi-formal ensemble. Lanvin made hundreds of variations on “the robe de style”; each one possesses its own unique charm.

Of course Lanvin produced fabulous outfits in keeping with the times and just did not limit herself the “robe de style”, however these stand apart to the savoir faire that Lanvin had.

The amazing thing is she never adopted the “robe de style” look for herself, but limited herself to discreet and simple outfits with minimal detail.

Subtle Savoir Faire

You have to admit that the French have unmistakeable savoir faire when it comes to just about everything. I love these two perfume advertisements one for Lanvin’s Arpege and the other for Guerlain’s Chant d’Aromes.

*One of the nicest things about French boys is French girls.

And the nicest thing about French girls is a great Guerlain perfume, Chant d’Aromes.

To be great, a perfume must do two things, it must express something for a woman that she would like to express herself; and it must say it in a way that can be understood by men.

For several years now, Chant d’Aromes has been speaking for thousands of English girls, French girls, Italian girls and to the young men in their lives.

It has to be saying something.

The sixties in France must have been a wonderful era, there were great changes on all fronts from politics to fashion, and with true French panache, it was all done with style, and a hint of sexual innuendo. Of course they were aware (quite early on) that sex sells, however they interpreted this factor of advertising with a touch of innocence that left it up to the consumer to create their own fantasies.

This understated form of advertising would be completely lost on today’s consumer, who really needs it spelt out so that they can fully grasp the message without thinking about it.