Alber Elbaz Is Leaving Lanvin After 14 Years—Take a Look Back at His Most Memorable Red Carpet Gowns

Another major designer shakeup is in the works!

By Lindsey Sirera Oct 28, 2015 4:32 PMTags
Alber ElbazPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

There's another major designer shakeup in the works.

After more than 14 years with Lanvin, Alber Elbaz is leaving his post as creative director, a Lanvin rep confirms to E! News. WWD first broke news of the Elbaz's decision to part ways with the iconic French fashion house.

In his lengthy tenure with Lanvin, Elbaz has been decorated with many of fashion's most prestigious honors, from CFDA nods to the French Legion of Honour. Just last week, Mr. Elbaz received the 2015 Superstar Award at the Fashion Group International's Night of Stars, presented to him by his close friend, Meryl Streep.

Jim Spellman/WireImage

Of course, what the designer may be most widely recognized (and revered) for are his exquisite red carpet gowns. From Emma Stone's elegant crystal jumpsuit to Nicole Kidman's raspberry sorbet-colored gown, there's no shortage of Elbaz-approved Lanvin creations. He's experimented with color, à la Claire Danes' vibrant highlight gown, and even taken his draping skills to the next level for Natalie Portman. More recently, he provided Allison Williams with a head-turning metallic gown. Still, one of his absolute most iconic looks has to be Kim Kardashian's black-and-teal confection from the 2014 Met Gala.

Getty Images; AP

Since taking over as Lanvin's creative director in 2001, the Israeli designer has been credited with revitalizing the once fizzling brand into one of the most respected couture design houses in the world. The luxury label's gowns have become some of the most sought after on the red carpet, and are instantly recognizable with Elbaz's meticulous draping techniques and intensive attention to detail.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

News of Elbaz's departure comes just six days after Raf Simons announced his departure from fellow French fashion giant, Christian Dior, after a three-and-a-half year stint as creative director. This year has proved a major landmark for designers exiting their fashion houses, with Ralph Lauren stepping down as CEO of his namesake empire, and Donna Karan removing herself as chief designer of her own line. And let's not forget about Alexander Wang either, who just showed his last collection for Balenciaga earlier this month.

Lanvin has since released the following statement: "Today the House of Lanvin has ended its collaboration with Alber Elbaz. We would like to thank him for the chapter he has written in the House's over 125 year history. The House of Lanvin confirms the implementation of its corporate strategic plan to continue making the oldest of the Parisian fashion houses, the Ambassador of French luxury's excellence, in the independent spirit of its founder Jeanne Lanvin."

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