Lanvin Bags Spring 2011

What Alber Elbaz chooses to show on the runway is only a small percentage of the entire breadth of any one season’s offerings. The same can be said for the accessories–and, in particular, the handbags. The few key shapes shown on the runway are meant to make a statement in as few words as possible. Judging by the capsule collection that made it, it’s all about structure and simplicity of shape. While Lanvin bags have tended toward frilly and, at times, over-embellished, spring sees a pared down, simplistic shape that is in tune with the unadorned silhouettes of the ready-to-wear. My favorite is a structured black leather shoulder bag with contrast white stitching and burnished gold hardware. It’s a throwback to vintage but packs plenty of panache and power (the tortoise version, although chic as well, isn’t my cup of tea). Alber made a real statement for evening, showing spherical minaudieres on long metal chains (often multiple ones at a time) that, although fit little to nothing, are über glamorous.