Lanvin Alber Elbaz Runway Ad Campaign Floral Print Dress Fall 2011

Moroccan-born designer Alber Elbaz is remembered as much for his love of people as he is for his astounding talent and creative philosophy. Credited with revitalizing the French fashion house of Lanvin where he served as creative director for fourteen years, he preferred to think of himself as a storyteller, working with “intuition, instinct, and joy.”

Widely beloved and admired, the soft-spoken Elbaz lamented in an interview for Vogue how technology was changing the face of fashion, with the emphasis shifting from how designs felt in person to how they appeared on a screen. Referring to himself as “just Alber” the designer explained that one of his intentions with fashion was “to elevate people, to make them dream."

The beauty of his legacy lies not only in the remarkable garments he designed but also in the spirit of them, his work conveying a certain depth of feeling that often shines through the wearer, emphasizing his belief that “the real Haute Couture is when you work with a person”. As seen as look #39 on the runway and in an iconic ad campaign starring Raquel Zimmerman and Karen Elson, this beautiful dress from his 2011 Fall Collection speaks for itself.

Done in a silk and cotton blend that holds its shape well, the dress features a print of large grey and white roses on a black ground. The dress is constructed with lots of fabric, giving it a nice weight and drape that feels luxurious on the wearer. The bodice begins with a simple jewel neckline and three-quarter length bell sleeves with puffed shoulders that allow the print to take center stage.

Size: 34FR

Size estimate: XS/SML

Shoulders: 14 inches from seam to seam

Sleeves: 20 inches

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Length: 34 inches

The skirt is made up of unusual pleats that seem to be both draped and folded around the waist at once, creating a voluminous bubble shape that mirrors the pleated flounces at the sleeves. The hem falls several inches above the knee, giving this dress more of an edgy feel that is complemented by the exposed zipper that runs the length of the dress at the back. This gothic romance of a dress is a showstopper that can easily be styled with a pair of boots or strappy heels and is the perfect choice for a wedding, cocktail party, or special occasion.

This vintage Lanvin dress is fully lined in black silk and closes with an exposed back zip. In very good condition with light wear to the sleeves and a small area of pull at the front, this dress has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.