Designer Alber Elbaz Has Died At 59

Former Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz has died at 59. His death was confirmed by luxury giant Richemont, which has been working with the designer on AZ Factory, his latest venture. According to British journalist Suzy Menkes, the beloved designer passed away from COVID-19.

Before his sudden departure, Elbaz was best known for his glorious revival of Lanvin from 2001 to 2015, and his exuberant personality. Throughout his career, the Israeli fashion designer has been awarded many industry accolades in recognition of his contribution to fashion—such as the CFDA International Designer award and Most Influential Designer at the inaugural World Fashion Awards by WGSN. In 2013, Elbaz won the Geoffrey Beene Fashion Impact Award at the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund dinner. In 2009, he was awarded the Grande Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris by mayor Bertrand Delanoë for his positive impact on the city. And in 2016, he was presented with the prestigious French Legion of Honour.

Elbaz's post-Lanvin career included a collaboration with French perfumer Frédéric Malle on a fragrance called Superstitious, that was released in 2017. And in 2019, it was announced that he would be working with Italian leather goods label TOD's on the Happy Moments collection.