It’s finally here! After much rallying from the label’s faithful legion of big spenders, Alber Elbaz this week opened the doors to the Northeast’s first Lanvin store–a 3,550-square-foot store on Manhattan’s Upper East Side that, many years ago, housed a Versace flagship. This, the third Lanvin U.S. boutique following Miami and Las Vegas, spans three elegant floors in a landmark townhouse.
The store will carry the entire women’s ready-to-wear and accessory collections (Bags! Shoes! Jewelry!) while also showcasing its Blanche, 22 Faubourg, Tailoring and Denim capsules. Highlighted amongst all the stunning garments will be whimsical Lanvin tchotchkes, including gift items like umbrellas, stationary, playing cards, music boxes and hand painted porcelain dolls. Elbaz designed the store to reference the elegance of a women’s club while simultaneously maintaining the ambience of intimacy and comfort felt in one’s home. Love the antique chandeliers!
Featured on the first level, and exclusive to the Madison flagship, is a striking graphic floor pattern made of white and dark gray Carrara marble. Playing off of this color scheme, a monumental black and white headshot of Jeanne Lanvin’s house model spans the entirety of the north wall. On this floor, a mix of accessories will be featured: a stainless steel library for handbags, and jewelry displayed on bust forms. The heart of the flagship store is its second floor, highlighted by the dramatic two-story Palladian window, which is featured prominently on the store’s façade.
Connecting the east and west chambers is a mirrored arch with glass shelves displaying jewelry. The east chamber juxtaposes rough steel wall paneling, with antique framed photographs from the Lavin archives. This space will also house the shoe library and a small salon, with zebra print rug and playfully upholstered antique sofa, where customers can try on shoes.
A stairway lined with mirrors connects the second floor to the third floor mezzanine, which houses the Blanche collection. This level, with its modern glass cube encased in white lacquered walls, is undoubtedly my favorite space. A mixture of Louis XV and Empire style furnishings upholstered in white cotton canvas contrast a soft gray concrete floor.
815 Madison Avenue, between 68th & 69th St, 646-439-0381. Closed Sunday.
