It seems the sad news is true. Just days after learning of Raf Simons abrupt departure from Dior, Alber Elbaz followed suit by leaving Lanvin. We didn’t have a chance to elidigest the news before headlines were blaring to let us know that the fashion world was losing another fabulous designer.
Elbaz, Lanvin’s Creative Director for the past 14 years, transformed the fashion brand into a powerhouse and one of Paris’ most notable assets to the fashion world. He expressed “gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with [him] passionately on the revival of Lanvin”, thanking the press and colleagues who stood by him when times were rightfully tough. However, his feelings were evident at last week’s acceptance of the 2015 Superstar award at the Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars, where he expressed frustration with the changing route of fashion, stating that it needs to be ‘digested’ more instead of thrown on Instagram or oversaturated by “image-makers”.
While no sources have confirmed the specific reasons for his leaving, rumors state the break followed after disagreements between the designer, Shaw-Lan Wang (Lanvin’s owner) and chief executive Michele Huiban. Other rumors say the dissatisfaction had been for years, but Elbaz’s investment of 10 percent or more in the company kept the designer at the house for as long as it could. Even though no rumors are confirmed, he did say his discharge was a result of “the decision of the company’s majority shareholder”, referring to who we would believe to be Lanvin’s owner Shaw-Lan Wang.
There is only one question that matters: Where is he going next? While the Creative Director of Dior position is now open, we know one thing. Wherever Elbaz goes, he will continue to build a powerhouse that stands on the world of Fashion.
Image: Getty Images
