The anticipated game of musical chairs could be about to begin in the fashion world following the news that Lanvin’s creative director, Alber Elbaz, has exited the French fashion house ending his 14-year tenure. Elbaz, who many credit for reviving Lanvin and catapulting the house into the spotlight, has not elaborated on the reasons behind his decision, however insiders believe the departure comes following disagreements between Elbaz and Lanvin’s principals: majority owner Shaw-Lan Wang and CEO Michèle Huiban.
While Lanvin are yet to issue a statement on Elbaz’s exit, the designer released the following statement: “At this time of my departure from Lanvin on the decision of the company’s majority shareholder, 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 last 14 years; 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 and have restored its radiance and returned it to its rightful position among France’s absolute luxury fashion houses.”
Elbaz’s departure from Lanvin comes less than a week after Dior announced Raf Simons resignation, sparking speculation in the fashion world that Elbaz could be headed for Dior. Elbaz was rumoured to have met with Dior back in 2011 in the wake of John Galliano’s dismissal from the house following his antiSemitic outbreaks at a Paris cafe.
