Alber Elbaz dies aged 59

Alber Elbaz died on Saturday 24 April in Paris at the age of 59. During his career, the legendary designer notably breathed new life into French label Lanvin, where he was creative director between 2001 and 2015, and had just launched AZ Factory, his latest fashion project and a collaboration with Swiss luxury group Richemont, with whom he linked up in 2019.

Elbaz's death, the cause of which has not been announced, was confirmed in a press release issued by Richemont. "It is with shock and an immense sadness that I have learnt of Alber's sudden death," said Johann Rupert, group president.

"Alber had a well-deserved reputation as one of the most brilliant and most liked personalities in the industry. I always admired his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and untamed creativity. He was a man of great warmth and exceptional talent, and his singular vision, his eye for beauty and his empathy leave behind an indelible impression," he added.

After leaving Lanvin in 2015, Elbaz established a number of collaborations, including a linkup with Italian footwear brand Tod's in 2019; and prior to that, a bag collab with LeSportsac and a premium range of sneakers with Nike-owned Converse, released in Japan.

In January, he launched his new label AZ Factory, during the Paris haute couture fashion week -- a label that was intended to be both high-end and democratic.

Alber Elbaz dies aged 59

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