BACK TO BLACK: LANVIN'S DARK VICTORY

designer, alber elbaz, takes a bow after his lanvin show. reviews have been very positive - and i understand why! above are my favorite looks from his 56 piece collection. (hugs to style.com for pics)

paris - black is almost a cliche "fashion" color isn't it? most people rely on it as a shorthand for chic. that's why at first blush alber elbaz' (head designer/creative director for lanvin) decision to use mostly black for his fall 2008 collection for lanvin seems unimaginative. but in reality, it was anything but. model after model strutted down the catwalk in elaborately made dresses, pants, and suits all in the basic color. instead of being monotone, the overall effect was surprisingly diverse. i could see a chic mother in her fifties wearing these pieces, just as easily a 20 year old lead singer in a rock band. this is my first year closely following lanvin collections and after this masterful fall one, it won't be my last.