From The Straits Times    |

Alber Elbaz showed a series of perfectly-crafted pieces at Paris Fashion Week last night.

The Lanvin designer is renowned for his dresses, which are often structured and draped at the same time. He discussed his Spring/Summer 13 before it hit the runway, revealing what he thinks is most important when he is creating collections.

“What is design anyway? What is the definition of design?” he asked. “I think it’s how to translate or not translate, how to transform one dimension to three dimensions, to take a piece of flat fabric and give it a shape. You do it with darts, you do it with volume, you do it with drape. That, for me, is the work of design.”

Alber opted for the monochrome palette which has been such big business in the French capital. The first look was a new take on a dinner suit, with the short jacket coming just to the waist and boasting silk lapels which were open. The black cigarette pants were just the right type of fitted, paired with a black top which was slashed to the navel.

Dresses were kept short and draped, with one boasting a split to the top of the thigh and just one built up shoulder.

Later, a short dress with long black silk sleeves and a body carved from a sparkly gold fabric showed the designer still has a love for eveningwear.

Next came jumpsuits which were cut from a shimmering leather-like material, one was asymmetric at the top – with the one shoulder jutting off at an intense angle at the shoulder blade.

Those longing for colour weren’t totally out of luck, with a simple hot pink silk minidress and a plum version also featuring.

Special mention should also go to the accessories – killer white heels and cowboy boots were the biggest looks. – COVER MEDIA