Alber Elbaz, the Israeli fashion designer and the founder of AZ Factory, died on Sunday aged 59. He was the creative director of the French fashion house, Lanvin, for 14 years. He was known for contributing to them with playful designs with classical tailoring, before his shock exit in 2015. Hollywood stars such as Sienna Miller, Cate Blanchett donned his svelt cocktail dresses during his tenure.

Some of Elbaz’s standout features were his oversized round glasses and bow ties. He gained many fans with his friendly and exuberant demeanor, which set him apart in the industry that was known for a personality that contrasted with his own.

Also read | Louis Vuitton ropes in K-pop sensation BTS as house ambassadors

He began his career with the American designer Geoffrey Beene in New York. Following that, he took over Guy Laroche in 1996 before joining Yves Saint Laurent in 1998 to design a ready-to-wear collection.

In 2001, shortly after Lanvin’s acquisition led by Chinese billionaire Shaw-Lan Wang, they hired Elbaz. In his stint at the company, he became one of the most respected names in the fashion world as the brand found its glamour and popularity. 

Elbaz’s tenure also saw the brand collaborate with Swedish giant H&M in 2010. At the time, he said, “I always told myself I’d never do a collection for a mass retailer, but what finally intrigued me was the idea that H&M was embracing luxury, rather than having Lanvin adapt itself to mass retailing… and without losing its soul”.

Also read | Git Gud with Knighton: A New-Age Gaming Talk Show without Any Gamers

Post his shock departure from the brand in 2015, which was reportedly due to a clash with Wang, he never joined a fashion house again. Although, he formed a series of partnerships, including one with the Swiss-based luxury goods company Richemont.