Images via Vogue.com

Like Balenciaga, Lanvin is one of those shoe collection that I almost don’t feel the need to review. Alber Elbaz has constructed a very strong narrative for himself during his tenure at Lanvin, and I feel as though we’re all well-acquainted with the woman who buys his shoes and inhabits his aesthetic world. She’s a lucky lady indeed.

And for Lanvin Spring 2012, she’s also particularly powerful. These neutral shoes, a few with secret rhinestones at the heel, present an image of control and composure that takes a certain amount of self-confidence to demonstrate correctly. There’s nothing sweetly feminine to be found here, only women on top need apply.