Paris Fashion Week was closed with an ode and celebration show by Alber Elbaz in the spirit of Love Brings Love. The house, which was the first PFW collection by Alber Elbaz, paid tribute to his joy, humility, creativity and humor. 45 guests Maisons and designers joined the effort to create unique looks for their peer and friend, who died from Covid complications earlier in the year.
An international community united in closing an emotionally charged SS22 season that saw live shows return. Raf Simons and Jean Paul Gaultier, Rick Owens and Thom Browne were among the designers who participated in the tribute section of the show. Other major fashion houses Gucci (Fendi, Alaia Burberry, Ralph Lauren), Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garcons, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Fendi, Alaia, Burberry and Ralph Lauren also created unique looks. Brigitte Macron (France’s First Lady), sat in the front row amongst fashion luminaries and celebrities.
The presentation started with Elbaz’s own look for his label AZ Factory. It was a simple black dress with a wrap around the shoulders, and styled with a variety of pearls and veil. Dries van Noten designed a coat featuring a self-portrait of Elbaz. Saint Laurent paid tribute to his playful personal style with Anja Rubik, a model wearing his black suit, white shirt, and pink oversized bowtie. Comme des Garcons also wore the bowtie in a gown.
The collection continues to live
Elbaz spent his final days working on AZ Factory’s fashion-week collection. It features his trademark style of playful, joyful details that he is so beloved for. As part of its commitment towards inclusivity and sustainability, the brand partnered up with a European textile manufacturer to develop a unique fleece fabric from organic cotton and a seaweed-mixed blend.
The tribute was a celebration of someone who designed with them in mind, who was positive and generous in the midst of the competitive world of fashion. Lanvin, which he ran from 2001 to 2015 was the house that he helped put back on the map. It was proof that his legacy will be remembered as a rainbow of pinkconfetti fell from the ceiling, and models danced in celebration.
You can watch the full show below.
