Alber Elbaz‘s varied, masterful Lanvin SS11 collection touched on current trends with the designer’s deft balance of everyday vs. drama, romance vs. practicality, and formality vs. ease.  The image of Frida Gufstavsson wearing a flowing, slitted skit from the presentation is one of the most memorable shots from this recent season.  It captures an athletic fragility, an approachable minimalism, and luxurious wearability.  The palette and proportions should appeal to a variety of women, and the look also lends itself to striking editorials.

Should have known that it’s only a matter of time before these pieces would end up in a press call.  Blake Lively wore a variation on this look in dove gray to the Spike TV Scream award show.  It’s really way before these pieces hit any stores, so I guess they didn’t perfect the technology to make the skirt flow around the legs.  Blake was holding the slit open, and the fabric kind of pooled around the floor.

Not sure if you’re supposed to be really active in this skirt to engage the silk with friction, or maybe it’s better to hold still while standing around to keep the slit a surprise.  Thankfully, there’s still time to plot out a plan, and I look forward to seeing lots of Lanvin in editorials till then.

Blake Lively images via Twenty2, runway images via Style and NYMag

Tags: Alber Elbaz, Blake Lively, Frida Gufstavsson, Lanvin, SS11