The famous fashion designer Albert Elbaz, perhaps best known for his work in Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin, died of Covid-19 at the age of 59, the fashion company Richemont reported on Sunday.
Elbaz was the creative director of the Richemont AZ Factory in Paris, for which he developed “beautiful, practical and fashion-oriented that works for everyone”, according to its website.
He died Saturday from Covid-19, a CNH spokesman told Richemont.
“With shock and great sadness, I heard about Albert’s sudden death. Albert had a well-deserved reputation as one of the brightest and most beloved figures in the industry, “said Richemont President Johann Rupert in a statement.
“I have always been fascinated by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his unusual vision, sense of beauty and compassion left an unforgettable impression.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, and raised in Israel from the age of one, Elbaz studied at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design.
He worked at Yves Saint Laurent before embarking on a 14-year career as Lanvin’s creative director, achieving critical and commercial success for the home and earning a worldwide reputation as a favorite designer, according to the AZ Factory website.
Italian-French model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy was among those who paid tribute to the late designer on social media, sharing a photo of Elbaz and her with the words: “How sad. Rest in peace”.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo wrote on Twitter that Elbaz, “a talented, generous man, loved Paris so much, and it will be missed.”
Elbaz’s death leaves the fashion industry in mourning just months after the death of Kenzo Takada, the founder of Kenzo, who also died of coronavirus.