Many of the photographs of Alber Elbaz’s work in the Vogue archive were taken in the studio, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Not only did the designer translate his own essential sunniness into explosions of happy color, but he was also an ace at crafting irresistibly seductive forms. There are bell skirts with their own sort of ring tones, fantasy sleeves to rival those of the Belle Époque, and curvy, flirtatious peplums.
Vogue once described Elbaz’s work for Lanvin as “powerfully pretty,” and indeed it was. The designer’s use of exposed seams and zippers kept the fecund femininity of it all from becoming saccharine and called attention to the craft of dressmaking and the handwork involved.
Despite his great gifts, no designer had more humility, or more humanity, than Elbaz. His special touch and warmth are preserved in these photographs that will forever document the talent of a designer and friend to all who was lost much too soon.
