Fashion designer Alber Elbaz was laid to rest in Israel on Wednesday after succumbing to Covid-19 at the age of 59 in Paris. The traditional Jewish funeral was attended by hundreds of family members, friends, and leaders of the Israeli fashion industry in Holon, the city where Elbaz grew up after moving from Morocco as a child.
In a heartfelt eulogy, Elbaz’s partner Alex Koo honored the designer’s journey from a young dreamer with little money to a renowned figure in the fashion world. Born as Albert in Morocco, Elbaz revolutionized the historic French brand Lanvin during his impressive 14-year tenure as creative director until his unexpected departure in 2015. Celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller were among those captivated by Elbaz’s elegant black cocktail dresses, which further elevated the label’s prominence.
During the funeral, Lea Peretz, a fashion design lecturer at Israel’s Shenkar College and a close friend of Elbaz, praised his unique design approach. She highlighted his ability to genuinely listen to women and create designs that met their needs, rather than imposing his own ideas. Elbaz accurately captured the complexity and demands of modern women’s lives through his creations. Apart from his fashion style, characterized by oversized glasses and bow ties, Elbaz was renowned for his warm and friendly personality, which set him apart from the often aloof industry.
Gal Uchovsky, a film producer and friend of Elbaz, described him as an exceptional human being who always cared deeply for others. Elbaz made sure those around him felt valued and supported. Uchovsky noted that Elbaz sought solace in Holon, escaping his busy life in fashion capitals such as Paris and New York.
Before his success at Lanvin, Elbaz began his career at Geoffrey Beene in New York and subsequently worked at Guy Laroche before joining Yves Saint Laurent as the designer for their ready-to-wear collections. French President Emmanuel Macron also paid homage to Elbaz, recognizing his role in showcasing the elegance of French fashion to the world.
The fashion industry mourns the loss of Alber Elbaz, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers. His approach to design, which blended creativity, empathy, and a genuine understanding of women’s needs, has left an everlasting impact on the industry. Elbaz’s talent, kindness, and warmth touched the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Useful links:
1. Vogue: Alber Elbaz’s Fashion Legacy
2. The New Yorker: The Making of Alber Elbaz
