Alber Elbaz Is Leaving Lanvin, Pens Sweetest Farewell Note

Alber Elbaz takes his final bow, after presenting Lanvin’s SS16 collection in Paris. Photo: Getty Images

Here we go again! Last week, Raf Simons shocked the fashion world by announcing he was leaving the house of Dior. And on Wednesday, Alber Elbaz pulled another punch by confirming that he is leaving Lanvin.

While Simons was at the helm of Dior for less than four years, Elbaz has led Lanvin for over 14. A steady, quiet presence at the top of the Paris fashion game, Elbaz maintained a loyal following of women who preferred romantic, feminine clothes to whatever latest trend led the street style brigade.

WWD first reported that he’d cleaned out his office and notified the design team before the story broke. “While the parties are likely to characterize the development as by mutual agreement, sources said the rupture came following disagreements between the charismatic Israeli designer and company principals: owner Shaw-Lan Wang and chief executive officer Michèle Huiban,” wrote the trade paper.

Forget mutual agreement, Elbaz penned a letter to the world saying that he was leaving “on the decision of the company’s majority shareholder.” So he was pushed out, which might not be as surprising at it seems given the company’s consistently low sales. Without a hit shoe or handbag, a new cosmetics line or massively popular fragrance, it didn’t quite enjoy the profits of a Dior or Chanel, for example.

“I wish to express my gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with me passionately on the revival of Lanvin over the past 14 years,” Elbaz wrote. “Together, we have met the creative challenge presented by Lanvin and have restored its radiance and have returned it to its rightful position among France’s absolute luxury houses.”

Will he succeed Simons at Dior is the obvious question. He was up for the job post-Galliano but passed because, unlike most creative directors, he actually owns part of Lanvin. Coming from a house that didn’t make money, however, doesn’t make him the most appealing candidate for a brand that needs to sell like Dior.

The past week has been filled with grim headlines like, “Fashion Is Moving Too Fast, and It’s Killing Creativity,” and “Overheated! Is Fashion Heading for a Burnout?” Killing creativity might be a bit dramatic, but it’s certainly heading for a much needed change.

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