WWD: Lanvin RTW Fall 2012

"The future's not ours to see," Alber Elbaz serenaded the enthralled guests who had just taken in the fall Lanvin fashion show that marked his 10th anniversary at the house. The lyrics were particularly appropriate in this season of volatility elsewhere, and for Elbaz's career, in crisis mode in 2001 after his brief tenure at Yves Saint Laurent came to an abrupt end. Few, probably least of all Elbaz himself, would have predicted that little more than a decade later, his star would be among fashion's brightest, his success sprung from a delectable cocktail of self-deprecation, incredible talent and an oft-stated belief in exactly who comes first. "I do not design for journalists," Elbaz loves to say. "I design for women." And we believe him. He lives the mantra season after season — even if the gentleman doth protest too much on the matter of his work's editorial resonance. For the full review: http://bit.ly/zMN3xL