Fashion designer Alber Elbaz dies of COVID at age 59

Moroccan-born fashion designer Alber Elbaz, ex-Lanvin creative director, has died Saturday, April 24, 2021, at a hospital in Paris, France. A spokesperson from Alber’s company has confirmed the cause of death was COVID-19. The designer was 59.

Alber rejuvenated the French luxury house of Lanvin from 2001 to 2015 as its creative director. In 2021, he launched his own label AZ Factory, backed up by Compagnie Financière Richemont, a Switzerland-based luxury group company “recognized for their excellence in jewelry, watches, fashion and accessories, and distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity.”

Richemont chairman Johann Rupert pays tribute to Alber with the following statement: “It was with shock and enormous sadness that I heard of Alber’s sudden passing. Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures. I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression.

“Alber will be greatly missed by all of us who had the good fortune to know him or work with him,” Johann continues. “On behalf of all of my colleagues at Richemont and AZ Factory, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. On a personal note I would like to add that I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend.”

Rest in peace, Alber!