Fashion
A celebration of the late designer’s red carpet moments.
On Saturday, Israeli-born designer Alber Elbaz died of Covid-19 at the age of 59. Perhaps most well-known for his tenure at Lanvin from 2001 to 2015, Elbaz was a visionary whose eternal optimism materialized in his designs. Recently, after a five-year break, Elbaz debuted his own size-inclusive line AZ Factory with a mission to uplift and democratize luxury fashion. Launched in January 2021, Elbaz’s new brand already boasts fans like Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber.
Elbaz started his career working for Geoffrey Beene’s studio, with a focus on elegant tailoring that carried a whimsical air. It was that fun-loving glamour that quickly made the young designer a favorite of celebrities, producing full runway collections beloved by critics and fans alike.
After he was appointed creative director at Lanvin, he took one of the oldest, most storied French fashion houses and made it relevant again. Stars like Beyoncé and Sarah Jessica Parker were noted fans of the house, and when Elbaz did a masstige collection for H&M, the retailer’s sales soared.
His signature dresses were structured yet draped, and constructed with luxe materials rendered in pastels and bright jewel tones. It was the duality of ladylike classics and youthful flair that made Elbaz so unique. He was a designer who truly loved and appreciated women, and his designs reflected that special admiration.
Talent aside, Elbaz was considered a breath of fresh air in the industry, with a humble and joyful personality that drew people to him. After his passing, several celebrities shared tributes to the late designer on social media. Kim Kardashian noted that Elbaz dressed her for her first Vogue cover and the Met Gala. “He was the most warm and welcoming,” she wrote. “Our fittings were filled with laughs and hugs! What a sweet soul.”
Ahead, find some of Alber Elbaz’s most memorable designs and the celebrities who loved them, both at Lanvin and AZ Factory.
2021: Hailey Bieber In AZ Factory
Hailey Bieber’s ‘90s-inspired LBD was actually a show of support for Alber Elbaz and his new brand AZ Factory. She wore the dress about a week before the designer’s untimely death.
2021: Selena Gomez In AZ Factory
In 2021, Gomez chose a pajama-style top from Elbaz’s new AZ Factory collection, printed in hot pink with bright red stars.
2014: Kim Kardashian In Lanvin
At the 2014 Met Gala, Elbaz dressed Kardashian in a strapless blue gown with a crossover structure inspired by designer Charles James, who was honored in that year’s Costume Institute exhibit.
2014: Emma Stone In Lanvin
Stone was a huge supporter of Elbaz’s designs while at Lanvin, wearing his work for multiple red carpets, award shows, and events. She chose a black leather gathered strapless Lanvin dress with an up-to-there slit for the premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 that was straight off the Fall 2014 runway.
2012: Nicole Kidman In Lanvin
In 2012, Kidman attended a red carpet event as part of the Cannes Film Festival wearing a backless one-shoulder red silk chiffon dress from Lanvin that flowed effortlessly in the wind.
2011: Beyoncé In Lanvin
Beyoncé attended the MTV VMAs in 2011 wearing a one-shoulder red-orange flowing dress from Lanvin. It was an effortlessly draped silhouette that was reminiscent of many of the most iconic Lanvin moments throughout the design house’s long history.
2010: Kate Hudson In Lanvin
Hudson hit the red carpet for a Chopard event in New York City in 2010 wearing a purple silk knee-length dress from Elbaz’s Lanvin. It was the perfect example of the short silhouettes and jewel tones that made the brand so popular during that time.
2006: Sarah Jessica Parker In Lanvin
At Lanvin, Elbaz had a frequent client in Parker, who chose a colorful green and white coat over a white gathered mini dress for a screening of Flags of Our Fathers in New York City.
2004: Maggie Gyllenhaal Golden Globes
To celebrate the Golden Globes in 2004, Gyllenhaal slipped into a knee-length metallic Lanvin dress, designed by Elbaz, with a bustle gathered beneath a playful open back.
