Remembering Alber Elbaz: The Designer Who Made Women Feel Confident Dies At 59

Moroccan-born designer Alber Elbaz died on Saturday, 24 April, of Covid-19 at the age of 59 at the American Hospital in Paris, leaving the fashion world shocked.

The master mind behind the French house Lanvin for 14 years has been a celebrity red carpet favorite, among whom Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and more.

Alber Elbaz passed his iconic touches and romantic vision to several French fashion houses. In 1996 he worked for Guy Laroche where he succeeded in putting the brand at the top and making a name for himself at the same time. In 1998, Yves Saint Laurent hired the designer to design his Rive Gauche women’s collection. He was replaced in 2000 by Tom Ford. The same year he launched a new collection for Krizia.

In 2002, he presented first collection for Lanvin after he was appointed the creative director of the house, and the collection received critical acclaim as he fused the label’s rich heritage with a unique twist.

In 2008, he designed the brand’s first denim collection, while in 2010 he brought design to a broader public with his H&M x Lanvin capsule collection, and in 2013 he entered the cosmetic world with Lancôme x Lanvin.

Unfortunately, in October 2015, His shock ouster from Lanvin after 14 outstanding years left him and his fans devastated. However, Alber Elbaz, one of the industry’s most talented and beloved figures, did not give up on fashion and in 2019, he started working with Richemont group on the launch of his own label, AZfashion. In a statement released yesterday, Richemont chairman Johann Rupert said "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"

Fashion houses and celebrities paid tribute to the designer’s incredible career and talent. Keep scrolling to read the warm messages they wrote on Instagram.

Lanvin: “Merci Alber”.

Lebanese designer Elie Saab: “Adieu Alber. You will be missed”.

Pierpaolo Piccioli (Maison Valentino’s creative director): “Alber, Yesterday the world of fashion has lost one of its biggest treasure and I’ve lost a true, honest, special friend”.

Sarah Jessica Parker: “Alber Elbaz inspired, loved and brought joy to every occasion. Godspeed and RIP”

Kim Kardashian: “Our fittings were filled with laughs and hugs! What a sweet soul”.