There were screams of delight, there were cheerful tears and then there was panic. When one is asked to not only meet but also interview an idol the pressure is on, but it’s pressure Group Editor Sophia Serin took on with gusto when it was revealed she would be going on a ‘date’ with designer extraordinaire and Lanvin’s artistic director, Alber Elbaz – strictly business, of course.
While visiting Dubai to unveil his exclusive Middle East collection, Sophia was one of the selected few to ride, dine and party and with the inimitable Alber Elbaz. Here she shares her enviable diary….
I am happy to report that designing a bespoke collection for the Middle East is becoming the done-thing de jour. Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs have done it but none with as much panache as Alber Elbaz, who landed in Dubai and staged a Lanvin takeover like no other. In all its gold, embellished and tasseled glory, the inspiration for the exclusive six-piece collection came from his Moroccan roots, and I can truly say it is a romantic and sartorial success (according to rumours on the fashion mill, it’s apparently already sold out!).
It was truly an honour to be chosen as one of the lucky ones to meet, greet and eat with Alber Elbaz and my Lanvin adventure began by picking up the designer at the One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai to deliver him safely to the Lanvin boutique in The Dubai Mall.
Waiting for my idol in the glorious sunshine. Can you think of a better way to start the day?
At the One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai waiting to meet Alber in (mostly) Lanvin.
Post interview, Alber exclaimed: “Lets be like Kim and Kayne and take a selfie!”
Back home for a quick costume change into my most favourite Lanvin of all time. This dress is like a magic pill – every time I put it on I feel better.
Alber Elbaz hosted a tea where he presented the bespoke Middle Eastern collection to Arab royalty and VIPs.
Ever the perfectionist. Alber attends to one of the models ensuring everything is just right.
Alber Elbaz, along with the Dubai and Paris Lanvin teams, hosted a cocktail party under the stars. For the first time in my life, I wore head-to-toe one brand. I don’t usually recommend it but I’m on a Lanvin high today!
A night to remember, the party played host to Lanvin lovers from around the Middle East.
With Rami Al Ali at the party.
With Rashmi Kumari Ahmad and Kate Barry.
Models, post-show, wearing the exclusive Middle East Lanvin collection. So chic!
With Alber Elbaz in front of a bespoke backdrop, designed by the legend himself. He really does pay attention to detail.
For more party pictures, visit here.
The gorgeous gift received for interviewing Alber. A framed picture of the houses’ logo decorated with Alber’s signature drawings.
After a busy couple of days, I check out the collection up close and personal.
Check out the May issue of Emirates Woman to find out more about our day with Alber Elbaz and Lanvin!
Images: Farooq Salik and supplied
