It was hush hush when an unnamed partner bought a 12.5% stake in Lanvin back in November 2009. It was revealed today by WWD, that investor is German businessman Ralph Bartel who is currently the chairman of Travelzoo.
Also in the same report, WWD noted that "Lanvin plans to use the proceeds from its capital increase to expand its retail network and deepen its commercial footprint, leveraging the design prowess and buzz of its creative director, Alber Elbaz".
Am I reading too much into the word "commercial?" Because I'm thinking (and hoping) for more affordable diffusion lines. I don't mean a Target collaboration. Alber Elbaz and Lanvin are not strangers to spin-offs, for example there is the Lanvin Acne denim line. While not exactly inexpensive, it's still has the spirit of the French brand. Should this "commercial" venture spawn other lines, I'm hoping for something less denim and more of that Parisian effortless chic that Lanvin is known for.
A girl can dream, can't she?
