The fashion world is mourning the passing of Alber Elbaz. The renowned fashion designer, 59, died from Covid-19. Swiss luxury group Richemont, whom he joined forces with to develop his line AZ Factory, confirmed the news on Sunday (April 25).
Besides his amicable disposition and penchant for bow ties, former Creative Director of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, is known for transforming the almost-dissipating French Maison into one of the highly-coveted luxury labels.
“Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures,” said Richemont’s chairman Johann Rupert in a statement. “It was with shock and enormous sadness that I heard of Alber’s sudden passing.”
A Pioneer in the Industry
Born in Morocco and raised in Israel, Elbaz first foray into fashion in 1989 in New York with designer Geoggrey Beene after he graduated from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. With seven years of experience as Beene’s assistant, Elbaz took up the helm of Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent and Krizia before his appointment at Lanvin in 2001.
Through his 14 year tenure, he earned critical acclaims and accolades for his positive impact and contribution to the industry. Elbaz was also recognised for his “woman-first” approach. “Fashion is not really about the body at all. Its essence is simple: to make the woman look beautiful, to make her fly,” Elbaz told Business of Fashion in 2014.
“His inclusive vision of fashion made women feel beautiful and comfortable by blending traditional craftsmanship with technology – highly innovative projects which sought to redefine the industry,” said Rupert.
After his abrupt departure from Lanvin in 2015, Elbaz took a sabbatical before returning to the industry with Richemont to launch AZ Factory in 2019.
Tributes from the Community POUR IN
The fashion community bemoaned the loss of the legendary designer on social media, also paying homage to Elbaz. “Thank you for bringing such magic into my life and such art into the world,” said Emily in Paris protagonist, Lily Collins. “Your positive energy was nothing short of inspirational and I feel incredibly grateful to have witnessed your genius.” Fellow industry colleague and friend Stella McCartney also expressed her sorrow and gratitude. “In fashion, his immense talent shone so bright that it tore up the conventions and wrapped a million souls in happiness when they wore his creations, I will miss you, sir, very, very much. We all will,” she wrote on Instagram.
(Cover Image: AZ Factory)
