Lanvin’s New Chapter: Olivier Lapidus Departs, Nicolas Druz Steps into the Spotlight
What’s Going On?
Just eight months after stepping onto the runway of Lanvin, designer Olivier Lapidus has been handed the keys of the house, but this time in the reverse direction. The French couture icon is exiting the scene “immediately” as part of a larger reshuffle inside the brand’s leadership.
Why the Sudden Move?
- Lanvin’s long‑time director, Nicolas Druz, will be promoted to lead Fosun Fashion Group, the Chinese conglomerate that now owns the majority stake in Lanvin.
- The move is aimed at sprucing up Lanvin’s performance across Europe and injecting fresh energy into the brand’s finances.
- When Fosun stepped in as the new majority shareholder a month ago, the company was already grappling with cash‑flow woes.
Feelings Behind the Transition
You’ll find that the executive change feels a bit like pulling out a bad shirt—everything’s not ending in a perfect fit yet, but the intent is to make sure the next suit is in the right style. For Lapidus, it’s a quick curtain call: high heels, flash, and a bid farewell to a house that’s struggling to keep its gilt‑in‑glory runway shimmering.
Looking Ahead
With Druz now steering the bigger ship, we can expect a new chapter for Lanvin’s heritage label. Whether that translates into slick new collections or a more stable business outlook remains to be seen, but the British‑inspired designer is set to bring his global flair to the table.
Lanvin’s Sudden Design Shuffle
In a fashion house drama that feels straight out of a runway thriller, Olivier Lapidus is stepping away from Lanvin after just eight months. The French couture giant—handed down through 129 years of silk and style—is now in a bit of a perdita situation.
New Boss on the Block
Enter Joann Cheng, the powerhouse chair of Fosun Fashion Group and the one who’s been steering Lanvin as its interim CEO. Think of her as the “master electrician” who’ll keep the lights on while the company searches for a permanent head.
Ownership Shuffle
- Shaw‑Lan Wang, the Tai‑wan media mogul, has kept a tight grip on Lanvin’s majority stake.
- With Wang’s backing, Lanvin’s future plans might get a boost—if its swap meets the right yardstick.
Throwback to the Old Stardust
Back in 2015, the brand’s glamorous run hit a snag when icon Alber Elbaz walked away after 14 years. It was a heavyweight sunset for Lanvin: the label reached legendary status among high‑fashion circles, but the applause faded fast.
The Down‑flower
By 2016, Lanvin’s finances made a grim exit lecture, reporting an 18.3‑million‑euro loss—the first big “oops” in a decade. It’s a reminder that even the most couture houses aren’t immune to the bumpy roads of the fashion runway.
Models & The Glamour of Lanvin’s Autumn/Winter 2018‑2019 Runway
During the electric atmosphere of Paris Fashion Week, Lanvin’s latest women’s ready‑to‑wear collection arrived on the catwalk, painting the runway with bold silhouettes and a splash of chic swagger.
Who’s Behind the Fashion Curtain?
- Jadwiga Elbaz once steered the creative vision, but a new star emerged when her role was handed over to Bouchra Jarrar. However, Bouchra decided to part ways after just 16 months—quick, like a fashion runway flash!
- Meanwhile, Wang brought in Lapidus in 2017, tapping into the legacy of French designer Ted Lapidus. That move added a touch of heritage to the brand’s fresh look.
Why It Matters
The quick succession of designers keeps Lanvin’s style pulse beating fast. It’s like a runway party where everyone’s invited, but the DJ keeps changing the playlist. The result? A collection that’s both timeless and daring, and a head‑lining show that Paris’s trendsetters can’t help but buzz about.
