Another for the Road: Alber Elbaz confirms exit from Lanvin
updated the 31 October 2015 à 12:25
Yet another designer steps down from his creative director position.
We don’t know how much more our hearts can take – this year we’ve covered the leaving of enough iconic designers to take up our entire emotional fashion quota. Within just a month of Raf Simons’ exit from Dior, it was announced yesterday that Alber Elbaz has left Lanvin after a 14-year reign at the French fashion house, following a dispute with shareholder and owner Shaw-Lan Wang. A dramatic exit was reported by WWD, and Alber was said to have begun packing and left his office as early as Tuesday, leaving his production team to complete the upcoming Pre-Fall collection without their creative director.
Being the designer behind the flawless draping, impeccable use of fabrics and all-around positive directional change for the couture house, it’s difficult to imagine a Lanvin without Alber. He may be one of the few longest-appointed creative directors of our time too, being on par with Nicholas Ghesquière during his time at Balenciaga (15 years), and Tom Ford at Gucci (10 years). As with previous cases of young designers leaving their posts, there’s reason to believe he may be another who was overwhelmed by the fast pace and drama of the fashion business.
His next move is already on our minds. With Dior’s creative director position still vacant from Raf Simons’s departure, we wouldn’t be surprised (and would wholeheartedly support) if he is indeed offered the place, especially since he was once considered when John Galliano famously left the label due to a controversial turn of events. However, a break from it all also seems imminent to recover from the intensity of his tenure at Lanvin. Either way, we’re keeping our eyes peeled.
Nur Syazana H.
Featured image: Getty Images
