Alber Elbaz’s Lancome makeup collection gets splashy Paris salute

The smart set filed into Le Trianon in Paris on Tuesday to celebrate “Lancome Show by Alber Elbaz” in over-the-top, imaginative style, a fitting celebration of the new limited-edition eye makeup collection by Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz.

On the one hand, the Champagne flowed, giving evidence of the occasion’s importance. On the other, the playful dessert fare consisted of lollipops, heart-shaped gumdrops and cotton candy.

“I love the end of a project,” said Elbaz, emerging from a crush of partygoers. “I’m always nervous at the start and excited at the finish.”

Elbaz relaxed for a brief moment on the sidelines, joining newly promoted Lanvin Chief Executive Officer Michele Huiban and company owner Shaw-Lan Wang, who said she chose Elbaz as Lanvin’s artistic director because of the joyful spirit of his designs, calling them “happy” and “fun.”

In a similar spirit, this party came complete with showgirls in red-feathered headdresses and fantails, who threaded their way through the crowd in the theater, awaiting the night’s show.

Scottish musician Sharleen Spiteri and the rock band Texas followed, delivering a mini-concert of their hits to an appreciative crowd. Spiteri, too, was appreciative, thanking Elbaz for her man-tailored suit.

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