The relentless and unapologetic pace of high fashion houses has been all the talk since the shock departure of Raf Simons from Dior, and now after his 14 year tenure Alber Elbaz has taken his final bow as the creative head of Lanvin. Only recently has the designer spoken out to WWD about his increasing weariness with the ever-quickening pace of fashion: 'I need more time.' And I think everybody in fashion these days needs just a little more time.'
Elbaz, who catapulted Lanvin onto the big Paris fashion week stage, adapted the aesthetic of the house to truly reflect his own style. His vision of the house meant that you could see a piece from the collection and immediately recognise it not only as Lavin, but Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. His dresses were draped in such a way that they would wrap around your body: hugging all the places you wanted to highlight and covertly glaze over those areas you wanted to conceal. His suiting was bold and feminine and his lamé finishes iconic. The real tell of an Alber Elbaz design, was his exuberant personality, he filled Lanvin with abundant fun. You were guaranteed a good time if you stepped out in one of his masterpieces.
WWD reported that the charismatic Israeli designer has been involved in a series of disagreements with Lanvin's principal owner, which has been building in the recent months. As it stands, the house does not have an obvious successor with Elbaz so firmly marking his stamp on brand Lanvin it will hard to imagine anyone else with such a joie de vivre filling these shoes.
This is the second high profile fashion exit in a week. Could the timing be purely coincidental or is Alber poised to step into Raf's shoes at Dior?
