Today marks the arrival of an ongoing collaboration between two brands that you'd never think to whisper in the same breath: Lanvin and Acne. When you think about it, it's pretty genius—the European elegance and couture-inspired draping of Alber Elbaz's designs for Lanvin meets the pared-down simplicity and effortless workwear of Acne. The resulting collection feels very French—ultra-dark indigo separates in all manner of trim, simplistic shapes like cinched trench coats, strapless dresses, and cuffed denim. The online lookbook even has a wonderfully Parisian flair, with models holding red balloons and such. We're particularly fond of a really Lanvin-esque dress with dramatic, ballooning sleeves.
Best of all, the collaboration has already been picked up for another season according to WWD. Sources say several pieces from the current collection will be reimagined in warm-weather white for Summer 2009.
You can buy the collection starting today at Acne Studios (10 Greene Street in Soho) or online here.
