Lapidus Vintage | Modem Mag

Comeback and Renewal

Wednesday, March 2nd, Hôtel de Sauroy

After years of ongoing father-son quarrels – that degenerated into conflicts of interest, which led to court battles and loss of the Lapidus name for Olivier - Théodore, commonly known as Ted, had to fall ill in order for the two men to bury the hatchet and speak again about their mutual passion for fashion. Together, they recalled the heyday of the senior brand like a mistress they would once have fought over, the common references, the best of’s… When his father died, Olivier decided to carry on the family business and breath life back into the brand. A Spring/Summer 2011 capsule collection, bought by Maria Luisa, gave him confidence in the potential of his approach. He’s following in his father’s footsteps by using the brand’s archives, as well as tapping into his childhood memories. He updated the signature pieces by adding details that were the renknown of the Lapidus fashion house: shoulder flaps, new anchor buttons, empire waist dresses, sharp cuts, loden safari jackets…

The American market – Barney’s in the lead – likes this « comeback » since Lapidus is still quite well-known in the USA. His collection revives the 60’s and its typical young and wealthy bourgeois, with a naughty twist (mini-skirts, red, grey, white or black boyish clothes). The trendiest articles of the season are of course the red high socks, the long coats and the caps for the Swinging London spirit. A wave of freshness swept through the show that managed to combine technique – so dear to Olivier Lapidus who invested in high-tech fabrics – and an independent, 70’s French style. Sounds nostalgic…