After the departure of Olivier Lapidus, it’s Bruno Sialelli’s turn to take charge of the Lanvin womenswear collections. It was his first show for the house yesterday. Set in the beautiful Musée de Cluny (the museum of the Middle-Ages), a Gothic townhouse built in the 14th century, the collection was bound to invoke the somber imagery of ancient tales. Clerical references were spotted in monk-like collars with leather bows, long navy dresses swiping the floor and the models carrying their purses like religious manuscripts. Many different styles were thrown in the mix. A pastel blue duffel coat with heart-shaped lapels, flannel capes, deconstructed knit sweaters, flowy printed dresses: it was a very diverse collection with a lot to chose from. The illuminated manuscript print was as medieval as it can get, splashed on oversized silk shirts and maxi skirts. A new Jeanne Lanvin logo was brought out, made of the iconic designer’s initials, used as a monogram or in small touches. It will be interesting to see what’s next for Lanvin under Sialelli’s creative direction, which seems to be headed in a mystical direction with references rooted in ancient times.

All photos by Laure Atanasyan