Fashion designer Alber Elbaz dies aged 59 with Covid-19

Fashion designer Alber Elbaz dies aged 59 with Covid-19

By Cecilia Matanatabu
Monday 26/04/2021
Alber Elbaz, a red carpet favourite of many renowned celebrities. [Image: theguardian.com]

Alber Elbaz, a red carpet favourite of Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, and Sarah Jessica Parker, has died from Covid-19, aged 59.

Elbaz, who began drawing dresses aged seven, worked at Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent before joining Lanvin as creative director in 2001.

Under his leadership, Elbaz transformed not only the label but also fashion’s relationship with Hollywood.

“The red carpet has gone from elitist to popular,” he said at the time. “Everyone has access to it, even if only on the internet or through magazines.

Since fashion is an integral part of celebrities’ lives, it’s become a kind of permanent red carpet despite itself.”

In 2014, he left Lanvin in a shock departure.

Despite collaborations with brands including Tod’s, Converse and Lancome, Elbaz was largely absent from the fashion industry for five years.

Speaking about his hiatus, he told Wallpaper magazine: “I’ve had the time to observe and live a life not as a fashion designer but just as a human being.”

To the surprise of many, he announced the launch of his new label, AZ Fashion, in January 2021.

The size-inclusive label made figure-flattering dresses and trainers, and drew the attention of many celebrity fans.

Speaking to the Guardian in 2009, Elbaz said size inclusivity was an issue that was close his heart.

“I am overweight, so I am very, very aware of what to show and what not to show,” he said, “and I am sure there is a huge link between being an overweight designer and the work I do.”

Members of the fashion community have paid tribute to Elbaz. Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri wrote that he was the “first person who made me feel at home in the fashion industry”, Stella McCartney praised a man “like no other in the world” and model Erin O’Connor called him a “fine, kind creative gentleman”.

Kim Kardashian wrote: “Alber dressed me for my first Vogue cover and gifted me with the cover dress to hold on to that memory forever.”

Sarah Jessica Parker posted a photo of the keepsakes she received from the designer, saying: “He always left little notes inside parcels … [he was] loved and brought joy to every occasion.”

[Source: theguardian.com]

FEATURE NEWS
140 youths living on Suva streets
A recent profiling exercise by the Ministry of Youth and Sports has identified 140 youths living on Suva streets, including 40 women and eight childre...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Constitutional processes to address issues with Corrections Commissioner – PM
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government will exhaust all processes provided under the Constitution in addressing issues relating to the ...
9 hours ago

Ministry urges shift in family responsibility as elderly abandonment increases in Suva
Families and communities must embrace a shift in mindset, prioritising the care and responsibility for their elderly, as adult children are knowingly ...
11 hours ago

Health Ministry receives 3,000 emergency Antiretroviral drugs from UNDP to support HIV surge response
As Fiji faces an increase in the number of HIV cases, the UNDP has recently delivered 3,000 much needed emergency antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to the ...
12 hours ago

$191,000 vans purchased by Mataqali Matalevu to drive economic growth
Today marks an unforgettable day for the Mataqali Matalevu in Vunitogoloa Village, Ra, as they have purchased two vans from Asco Motors as part of ...
12 hours ago

TSLS launches new digital tools to enhance service delivery
A new era has begun for tertiary students in Fiji as the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service has launched three of its programs which includes the ...
12 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Virgin Australia crew members allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed outside Nadi nightclub
A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of one of the Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day, near a ...
5 days ago

Lynda Tabuya dismissed as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of the Oath she has ...
14 days ago

Fijian Drua in Kadavu
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are keeping in tradition with their previous pre-season training and will be in Kadavu till Friday afternoon. The ...
21 days ago

TOP