Lanvin's Christmas Windows @ Printemps (Paris, France)

Every year during the holiday season, Parisian department store Printemps hosts some of the most spectacular windows you'll find in the city - thanks (in part) to the big-name designers who lend some of their creative ideas to these displays. The storefront consists of luxuriously decorated static windows, but the biggest crowd-pleasers are the animated ones featuring dancing marionette dolls. While last year's windows were presented by Dior and Chanel, who curated two windows each, this year's four windows were dedicated to Lanvin.

The lovely holiday lights outside Printemps. The huge crowds you see - not quite as lovely.

As previously mentioned in my post last week, the new windows were unveiled in a grand ceremony by Alber Elbaz himself, along with Lanvin fan Kristin Scott-Thomas. According to Elbaz (via WWD): "It’s quite bizarre to see your cartoon in the windows dancing and running. I was just told that each puppet will be running in two months about 200 kilometers, so I’m thinking, God, how many calories are they burning there?” The windows, show mini versions of Miss and Mr. Lanvin in a French chateau (aptly titled "Noel au Chateau") and will be on display until the end of December.

Aside from taking a few photos, I've also attempted to capture videos of these windows. Apologies in advance for my camera's auto-focus, but I hope you get the idea. In my defense, I took these at 7:30 AM (a rare time of the day when the windows were still clear of people) and I hadn't had my morning coffee yet. I'll also be blogging the static Printemps windows in a separate post next week.

The story begins with Miss and Mr. Lanvin preparing for a feast in the chateau. Though to me it looks like Mr. Lanvin is doing all the work... (rightfully so):

Overview of the first window.

Lots of Mr. Lanvins running around carrying food.

In some cases Miss Lanvin helps a little (top), but she doesn't mind being carried around either (lower right).

More hardworking Mr. Lanvins...

Short video clip of the Lanvin dolls in action.

Taking a break from the preparation work, Miss and Mr. Lanvin finally get to enjoy a bit of music and dance...

Party time chez Lanvin.

Playing the piano and showing their moves...

Another short clip of the above window.

Unfortunately the chateau seems to be haunted, leaving Miss and Mr. Lanvin to run for cover...

Overview of the 'ghost' window.

Being chased by ghosts... Mr. Lanvin is kind enough to carry his partner.

Hiding in suitcases and under the carpet...

Short clip of the ghost scene.

Having survived the ghost scare, Miss and Mr. Lanvin can finally enjoy a feast of tasty treats from Ladurée...

Tea and macarons in the pink room.

Table number 1 featuring a bunch of cutlery-wielding puppets.

Table number 2 even has Mr. Lanvin atop a cake.

More happy dancers and hungry guests.

Final clip of the feast.