The fashion world mourns the loss of Alber Elbaz, a universally beloved designer whose creative brilliance and warm personality left an indelible mark on the industry. Elbaz, who passed away at the age of 59, reshaped fashion and is remembered as an icon.
Born in Casablanca in 1961, Elbaz’s journey to the pinnacle of the fashion world began when he moved to Israel as a child. He displayed an innate talent for illustration from a young age, sketching dresses at just seven years old. He honed his skills at Israel’s renowned Shenkar College of Engineering and Design before embarking on a journey to New York.
Elbaz arrived in New York with just $800 from his mother, two suitcases, and a wealth of dreams. He began his career under the guidance of Geoffrey Beene, known for his innovative use of modest fabrics in high fashion. Elbaz worked alongside Beene for seven years, designing stylish eveningwear and gaining valuable experience in the fashion world.
In 1996, Elbaz was discovered by Ralph Toledano, CEO of Guy Laroche, who recognized his talent and unique identity. Elbaz’s appointment as creative director of Guy Laroche marked the beginning of his rise to stardom. His collections at Guy Laroche received rave reviews for their fusion of French chic, New York flair, and Hollywood glamour.
Three years later, Elbaz made a career-defining move when he joined Yves Saint Laurent to design ready-to-wear collections for the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche line. This was a childhood dream come true, but it also presented significant challenges as Yves Saint Laurent staff resisted his arrival. Nevertheless, Elbaz managed to create three remarkable Rive Gauche collections before his departure when Gucci acquired YSL and appointed Tom Ford as the designer.
After a brief sabbatical, Elbaz resurfaced at Lanvin, where he would make history with over twenty influential collections. His impact was immediate, and his shows became must-see events on the international fashion calendar. Elbaz’s designs were celebrated for their draping, forgiving cuts, and remarkable color palettes, which included soft pinks, violet beiges, and sleek charcoals.
During his tenure, Elbaz also made Lanvin a force in men’s fashion, using unexpected fabrics like duchess satin and introducing pearls on button-down shirts. His personal style, characterized by gros-grain neckties and no socks, redefined men’s fashion.
Elbaz’s influence extended beyond the runway, as he dressed numerous Hollywood stars and designed collections for H&M, making his fashion accessible to a broader audience. His departure from Lanvin in 2015 was considered a significant loss for the fashion world and resulted in a notable drop in Lanvin’s valuation.
Elbaz’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch his own label, AZ Factory, in January of the year. The label aimed to capture his unique style, featuring cocktail-hour sophistication, expert draping, and an artistic finish—all at an affordable price point. He introduced fresh designs regularly, catering to a wide range of sizes from XX small to XXX extra large.
Despite his success, Elbaz remained humble, humorous, and deeply connected to humanity. He loved people and cherished their love in return. His passing, attributed to Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated, is a tragic reminder of the pandemic’s reach.
In his career, Alber Elbaz created immense beauty with humor, tenderness, and panache. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved and admired him, and his influence will continue to shape the world of fashion for years to come. Fashion has lost an icon, but his spirit endures in the elegance, innovation, and humanity of his work.
Non est ad astra mollis e terris via. (There is no easy way from the earth to the stars.)
