Only a couple of years ago, no self-respecting fashionista would have been caught dead in Lanvin. A brand stuck in the past, it had plenty of pedigree -- but was about as chic as white socks and sandals.
But thanks to the efforts of podgy Moroccan-born designer Alber Elbaz, the venerable couture house's creations are now topping the must-have lists of some of the world's most fashionable women -- and men, too, following the launch of the Lanvin en Bleu line of casual menswear.
In stores since late last month, the label for style-conscious males far transcends the French house's traditional business apparel, and is testament to the high-fashion kudos Lanvin has acquired in just the past couple of years.