Alber Elbaz has sadly died at the age of 59.
It is believed the designer passed away in hospital in Paris from COVID-19.
The designer was one of the most iconic names in the industry and his revival of Lanvin will forever live in the brands legacy. He joined Lanvin in 2001 and his elegant, feminine designs catapulted the brand into the forefront of the industry.
He was known for his outspoken words and bold personality, but mostly for his love of making women look and feel beautiful in his designs.
In 2015 Elbaz was let go from the brand which saw him take a break from fashion. But his long-awaited return to the fashion industry came just this year with the unveiling of his new project AZ Factory which was created to change the way women shop and be inclusive to all shapes and sizes.
Johann Rupert, Chairman at Richemont said in a statement; “It was with shock and enormous sadness that I heard of Alber’s sudden passing. Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures. I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression.”
He continued; “Alber will be greatly missed by all of us who had the good fortune to know him or work with him. On behalf of all of my colleagues at Richemont and AZ Factory, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. On a personal note I would like to add that I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend. Rest in peace Alber.”
He will be deeply missed.
Read our most recent interview with the designer here…
