Lanvin's cocoon-style coats keep Paris from raining on its parade

New designer Bruno Sialelli’s collection has winning charm despite the alfresco catwalk

The French house Lanvin has some reason to hope the wilderness years that followed the departure of its much-loved creative director Alber Elbaz in 2015 might be coming to an end, but Paris fashion week has not been plain sailing for new designer Bruno Sialelli.

Sialelli, 31, became the fourth designer at the helm in four years when he was appointed earlier this year. Bouchra Jarrar had lasted two seasons, and Olivier Lapidus eight months. The house’s new Chinese owners, Fosun Fashion Group, were anxious to revive Lanvin’s rapidly fading fortunes when Sialelli was brought in from the Spanish brand Loewe.