Founded in 1889 by milliner Jeanne Lanvin, the Lanvin label is known not only as the oldest French fashion house in operation but also lauded as a favorite in modern womenswear. Jeanne began the label skillfully using embellishment, beading, and a floral palette, which would go on to become signatures of the Lanvin label. Today, it's a blend both of the brand's traditional style and Alber Elbaz's innate gift for designing what modern women want to wear. Since the designer joined the label in 2001, he has succeeded in delivering collections that encompass beautifully crafted silk dresses, pants, suits, and playful experiments with volume and proportion — and collections we are always anxious to see. Click through for a glimpse of Lanvin's gorgeous past collections.
Opening Lanvin was a plumed black cap that seemed to explode into a coordinated jacket, and the tone was automatically set for a whimsical collection.
Pleated leather dresses were fantasies made reality, and textural curve-hugging silhouettes played up the models' figures.
Flats were paired with everything from fur-trimmed suits to jewel-tone gowns and even ostrich-feather cocktail dresses, and Alber Elbaz proved if there’s an accessory more ladylike than white opera gloves, it's a really chic hat.
Silky, sexy dresses were topped off by fur for an extra dash of luxury.
All that glitters is Lindsey Wixson showing off a gold metallic confection and layers of jewels.
A metallic sheath offered a new approach to ladylike dressing.
There was no shortage of bling, either, including this sparkly suit look.
For Fall '13, the runway included oversize statement necklaces like this "Cool" one that left an impression on fashion editors everywhere.
Bugs were a big theme, too, both with prints and dimensional accents.
A cocktail dress featured a classic peplum silhouette in a gorgeous lipstick-red shade.
Arresting silhouettes took to the runway for Spring '13, with architectural dresses that looked proper on one side, steamy on the other.
And per its regular M.O., the house showed plenty of volume.
Karlie Kloss rocked a gorgeous blush sheer chiffon dress, worn over a bodysuit.
This snake-print jumpsuit featured a loose but still sexy silhouette.
For Fall '12, Lanvin showcased balloon sleeves and jewel tones.
A dress from Fall '11 was an exercise in supersleek, modern femininity.
Exaggerated shoulders on a fiery red Fall '11 coat.
Fur-trimmed sleeves played up the volume on a little sheath dress.
Karlie Kloss hit the runway in one of the Spring '11 bright and full frocks.
Spring 2011 brought glamorous full-length gowns.
Fall '11 brought major volume on coats with fur trim and shoulder-accentuating details.
A supersleek floor-length gown took a turn on the Fall '09 runway.
Spring 2010 showed off a womanly wrap silhouette and embellished details.
Waist-accentuating silhouettes continued even on jumpsuits.
For Fall '09, Lanvin brought a sophisticated, ladylike sensibility.
An asymmetrical black cocktail dress spoke to Lanvin's chic Fall '09 aesthetic.
Spring 2009 featured playful cuts and prints.
Signature Lanvin plays on proportion and curve-conscious dressing in vibrant color for Spring '09.
More metallic tones and another variation on the cocktail frock from Fall '08.
Playful metallic accents and party frocks from Fall '08.
Fringed and full volume punctuated the Spring 2008 collection.
Volume continued, even on simple strapless dresses.
Decadent details and more plays with volume on a tulip-skirted LBD at Lanvin's Spring '08 show.
For Fall 2007, Lanvin showed luxurious furs.
A luxe, voluminous fur bolero covered a ladylike shift.
Fall 2006 brought luxe accents on the signature sleek Lanvin 'fits.
Bold jewel tones dotted the Fall 2006 collection.
For Spring 2006, Lanvin showed sleek silhouettes.
Hilary Rhoda hit the Spring '06 runway in a sleek, sexy shift.
Fall '05 brought a tomboy-inspired look at womenswear.
Bow-tied accents made an appearance on the Fall '05 runway.
More from Fall '05 brought sexy sheer details on menswear-inspired tops.
For Spring '05, Lanvin showcased delicate, streamlined gowns.
Bright, structured full skirts and jackets from the Spring '05 collection.
For Fall, Lanvin showed minimalist silhouettes, outfitted with bold details, like these menswear-inspired accents.
A simple silhouette was remade in luxe fabrics and fur trim on the Fall '04 runway.
A modern take on sexy via a silky wrap dress on Lanvin's Fall 2004 runway.
For Spring '03, Lanvin showcased slick metallics.
Gorgeous, printed dresses dotted the Spring 2003 runway.