Designer Alber Elbaz Dies at Age 59
The Morocco-born creative was best known for his tenure at Lanvin.
Alber Elbaz, the designer behind Richemont-backed label AZ Factory, has died at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by Compagnie Financière Richemont, as reported by WWD. While the cause of death has yet to be announced, sources are stating that the creative was diagnosed with COVID-19 before his passing at a Paris hospital on Saturday night.
Elbaz was best known for his tenure at Lanvin from 2001 to 2015, having brought the fashion house to its peak with his elegant style. Most recently, the Morocco-born designer had founded AZ Factory, which marked his return to fashion following a five-year hiatus.
“I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend… 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,” Richemont’s founder Johann Rupert shared in an official statement. “He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression,” he continued.
Our deepest condolences are with everyone affected by the death.
