Classic cuts in Lanvin's special line

LANVIN has launched the concept of Espace Tradition, for which a corner of its boutiques is devoted to quality Italian-made suits and shirts.

The collection is expensive but is for those who are selective about tailoring details.

'We use the best fabric suppliers and the best suit manufacturers for the Tradition line,' said marketing manager Corinne Duquin.

'It takes around three to five times longer to make a Tradition suit than to make an ordinary one because most of the details are done by hand.' All the jackets are made of 100 per cent natural materials, even down to the lining and stuffing.

Quality materials and tailoring come at a price, with the suits selling for about $16,000.

'They are only really for connoisseurs who want the best and are sensitive to details,' Ms Duquin said.

Espace Tradition has been available in Paris for more than a year and a promotion of half-measure suits in Hong Kong last year generated good business.

Most of Lanvin's sales come from what is now its Classic line which includes ready-to-wear.

Another collection, Studio, is designed to attract younger customers.

Lanvin realised it was losing business from some customers in their 40s who had been looking for more relaxed or colourful jackets elsewhere.

'So, in terms of quality, fabric suppliers and price, the Studio line is the same as our Classic line. But it will be different in terms of style, cutting and colour,' Ms Duquin said.

This means more fancy patterns, colourful jackets and unstructured cutting.

Classic and Studio lines carry a complete product range, from suits to casual shirts and trousers.

One of the first trendy items to be introduced is the three-button jacket which is popular in Europe.

Lanvin has brought several pieces to Hong Kong to include in its Studio line. They are unstructured, roomy and comfortable. They come in light colours and should be worn with brighter shirts.

In contrast to the classic navy and grey suits, the Studio line has a variety of striped and checked jackets in black, brown, beige, khaki and linen.

Younger customers may be tempted by the casual suits.

'We have tried something new called wash 'n wear, which is a mixture of polyester and wool. It is the uncreasable quality of the fabric that makes it special,' Ms Duquin said.

Colours include beige, khaki and brown.

'What they love in France and what we try to bring here is shirts with small checks, like red and white, blue and white and light blue,' Ms Duquin said.

In the Studio line, there are also cotton shirts in fancy prints. Striped shirts maintain a strong presence.

Silk ties this season are geometrical but interpreted in an art deco style that make them quite fancy.

'We are promoting three colour ranges: light blue and white, fun ties in light blue and orangey yellow, and navy blue and gold, which is always a good seller in Hong Kong,' Ms Duquin said.

All patterns have been inspired by previous themes from Lanvin and appear in bow ties, cummerbunds braces and polo shirts.

Braces are becoming popular as a way to enliven a conservative suit or classic shirt. Lanvin's tie sets are also successful.

'The handkerchief in the tie set picks up on a detail from the pattern of the tie and enlarges it so it is more interesting,' Ms Duquin said.

Lanvin has also introduced a wider selection of bags for men, either with a shoulder strap or ones that can be carried under the arm.