Paris Fashion Week concluded with a heartfelt farewell to the iconic designer Alber Elbaz. The show, titled “Love Brings Love,” featured 45 designers paying tribute to Elbaz, marking the end of this season’s fashion week. Held at Carreau du Temple, the event was accompanied by posters at nearby bus stops. The audience consisted of notable figures, including France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who were seated in the front row alongside a lineup of designers.
The show also saw the presence of numerous CEOs, such as François-Henri Pinault, Diego della Valle, Sidney Toledano, and more. Alber Elbaz’s long-time partner, Alex Koo, was also in attendance, along with Demi Moore and her daughter Scout Willis, as well as several of Elbaz’s sisters. The show was delayed by an hour due to the warm embraces and greetings exchanged between designers, some meeting for the first time.
Each designer showcased a different aspect of Elbaz’s multifaceted personality. Demna Gvasalia displayed a fearless use of volume with a giant pink cape, while Olivier Rousteing incorporated Elbaz’s self-deprecating sense of humor by featuring a cartoon self-portrait of Elbaz on a grand t-shirt. Riccardo Tisci channeled Elbaz’s mastery of draping with a fluid silk column, and Pierpaolo Piccioli paid homage to Elbaz’s love for grandeur with a giant purple faille gown. Elbaz’s iconic bow-ties were also referenced by Thom Browne, who reinvented his gray suit with enormous bows, and Simone Rocha, who presented a bow-tie gown.
The death of Alber Elbaz in April created a void in the fashion industry, with his generous spirit greatly admired. Jean-Paul Gaultier’s cocktail dresses, featuring hearts pouring out fabric in tears, exemplified the outpouring of grief. Numerous other designers participated in the farewell show, including Pieter Mulier, Sarah Burton, Daniel Lee, and many more, each paying their respects to the legendary designer.
Following the collective show, AZ Factory’s studio presented a tribute collection to Elbaz, signaling that the brand will continue without him. As the last model from AZ Factory appeared on the runway, the backdrop illuminated, and the entire cast joined in a dance to Elbaz’s signature finale song, ‘Love Train’ by the O’Jays. Sidney Toledano, who had discovered Elbaz in the 90s, reflected on the designer’s journey from Guy Laroche to Lanvin, where he achieved tremendous success before parting ways in 2015. Toledano also acknowledged the elegant contribution of Bruno Sialelli, Elbaz’s eventual successor at Lanvin, who presented a beautiful white gown with an elongated train featuring a giant photo of Elbaz.
Alber Elbaz may no longer be with us, but his impact on the fashion industry and his fearless spirit will forever be remembered by those who appreciate fashion. The farewell show served as a fitting tribute to this legendary designer, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
Useful links:
1. Paris Fashion Week Fall 2021: Best Fashion Shows
2. Alber Elbaz’s Fashion Legacy
