Alber Elbaz leaves Lanvin after 14 years

Something is definitely changing in fashion: first Raf Simons decided to leave Dior; now the even more shocking news that Alber Elbaz is leaving Lanvin has arrived.

Elbaz has been Lanvin’s creative director for 14 successful years and in one of his latest statements, the designer admitted the decision to leave wasn’t actually his own; he was kicked out by the majority stakeholder Shaw-Lan Wang.

“At this time of my departure from Lanvin on the decision of the company’s majority shareholder, I wish to extend my gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with me passionately on the revival of Lanvin over the last 14 years; to express my affection to all my wonderful colleagues in the Lanvin ateliers who accompanied me, and who enriched and supported my work. Together, we have met the creative challenge presented by Lanvin, have restored its radiance and have returned it to its rightful position among France’s absolute luxury fashion houses.”

Before being a brilliant creative, able to maintain Lanvin’s traditional elegance while embracing modern approaches and trends, Elbaz was an inspiring and generous human being. When his exit was announced, the designer’s colleagues asked for a meeting in Paris with Shaw-Lan Wang – which has been dismissed by management.

The touchy subject still hasn’t been archived, though. Even former French culture minister, Jack Lang, was against Elbaz’s departure, as he stated: “To cut the wings of this exceptional talent in this way makes me very sad and angry. I can only share in the fervent wish of the Lanvin employees who are strongly and rightly calling for the return of this great designer. He is one of our national treasures. He is an icon and a source of pride to us. We owe him our unfailing support, our respect and our affection.”

Francesca Milano
Photo: Ambra Vernuccio