In a week that’s also seen another major designer, Raf Simons, parting ways with a major fashion brand, Dior, Alber Elbaz has left Lanvin.
Talk that Elbaz is in the process of moving to Dior is now rife following the announcement of his departure after 14 years shaping the brand founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889. His appointment at Lanvin in 2001 came after heading up superbrands including Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent, preceded by Elbaz’s beginnnings as design assistant at Geoffrey Beene.
Now that the fashion world is collectively holding its bated breath in the lead up to the announcement that will confirm Elbaz’s next destination, only time will tell what directions he will take. Bidding adieu to Lanvin, Elbaz commented that he “wishes it the future it deserves”.
That future for Lanvin is uncertain – for the time being – now that the brand is essentially creative director-less. Glass looks forward to the next chapter of this fascinating and storied house.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Lanvin