Woman On Top

Taking the reins of a well-established fashion house is no easy task. SHEENA KHEMANEY speaks to Lanvin’s newest artistic director.

- Bouchra Jarrar

IN THE PAST year or so, the fashion world has had to deal with a lot of dramatic changes, where the merry-go-round of top design talent can be compared to a game of musical chairs. However, unlike the light-hearted children’s amusement, in reality we’re dealing with some of fashion’s most visible heavyweights and the impact their movements have on their loyal followers.

Compared to a few years ago, the industry is now a whole new ball game; there’s an awful lot of pressure on designers to produce products that actually sell and fulfil the demanding needs of today’s customers. As model-turned Project Runway host Heidi Klum puts it, “One day you’re in and the next, you’re out.”

Amid all the drama, French fashion house Lanvin, founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889, also experienced its fair share of direction change. After the rapid and somewhat shocking departure of its previous designer, Alber Elbaz, Cannes-born Bouchra Jarrar took on the role of artistic director.

“It’s very simple for me in my head,” Jarrar says. “It’s the Lanvin house and it’s Jeanne Lanvin’s story. The only thing that influences me is Jeanne Lanvin. There was Alber [Elbaz], whom I absolutely respect, but that’s the past and now I’m present and the future of the house. It’s very clear in my head. I work with magnificent teams on that.”