Best known for reviving Lanvin, it was only in January that Alber Elbaz officially launched his new label AZ Factory, a venture with luxury conglomerate Richemont. The fashion designer passed away from Covid on Saturday (April 24) in Paris, a company spokesman confirmed.

In a statement released earlier, Johann Rupert, a close friend and chairman of Richemont, was shocked by his sudden passing: “I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend. 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.

“It was a great privilege watching Alber in his last endeavour as he worked to realise his dream of ‘smart fashion that cares'. His inclusive vision of fashion made women feel beautiful and comfortable by blending traditional craftsmanship with technology—highly innovative projects which sought to redefine the industry."

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