The fashion designer beloved for his wit, warmth and romantic designs was known for reviving the house of Lanvin from 2001 to 2015 and recently launched his new venture AZ Factory under Richemont. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 59.
Our hearts go out to Elbaz's loved ones and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I had the good fortune of speaking with the ebullient and talented designer ahead of the launch of AZ Factory two months ago and Elbaz showed me great warmth and generosity for which he is known and loved throughout the industry. Below are just a few of my favourite quotes that he shared with me that evening. The fashion world has lost a legend and he will be sorely missed.
On knowing when his work is done:
"I get very attached to everything I do but there comes a moment where I don’t look at it anymore, because I don’t like anything anymore. And when I really don’t like anything, I understand it’s my mechanism to move forward. When you do something and they start putting a style number on it and the colour has a code and the dress is not the red dress but dress number 776 you know that your role is done and now you have to let go. Those dresses are like my daughters and if you love them you have to let them go and live with other women."
On speaking from the heart:
"I’m adding the word 'fun' because in history, the jesters and clowns are usually the only ones telling the truth. And I wanted to touch some areas that can be politically incorrect, but are very important to me, and I wanted to do it with storytelling."
"I wanted to inject a little bit of optimism into our boring lives. I’ve been watching Netflix and CNN—I’m not watching Fox, I’ll tell you that. Oh lala I’ll probably get in trouble. It’s so difficult for me to be politically correct!"
