AT A time when fashion houses in France are holding back on their expansion plans, Lanvin has created a stir in Paris by investing millions of dollars on a complete revamp.
This includes opening a new eight-storey boutique in the French capital's most prestigious retail area.
The move raised eyebrows and caused many to describe Lanvin as being unduly optimistic in the face of tough times in the luxury consumer industry.
Mr Henry Racamier, chairman of Orcofi which owned Lanvin, admitted the business climate was far from healthy, but said he insisted the company forged ahead with expansion plans.
''We did hesitate because we are already in serious recession. I am afraid it will last for some time yet. It is not good to be overly optimistic and see the future through rosy glasses. We have to be realistic and prepare for a long period of this,'' hesaid.
Nonetheless, by the time the recession had set in, Mr Racamier's plans for Lanvin were well underway, and he had no intention of putting them off.