The fashion world was left in shock with the news of designer Alber Elbaz’s death at age 59 due to Covid-19—and the outpouring of love from celebrity fans including tributes from Kim Kardashian, Stella McCartney, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
“When I heard the news of his passing today my heart broke,” Kardashian shared on her Instagram page. “My first time to Paris I was surprised with a lunch with Alber and I almost fainted when he walked in. He was the most warm and welcoming.” Kardashian also revealed that Elbaz dressed her for her first ever Vogue magazine cover, and left her with a touching parting gift.
“Alber gifted me with the cover dress to hold onto that memory forever,” the 40-year old SKIMS founder wrote. “Then Alber and Lanvin dressed me to the first Met Ball I was invited to on my own. Our fittings were filled with laughs and hugs! What a sweet soul. I will cherish all of our memories forever.”
Elbaz died in Paris on Saturday, April 24th. He recently launched a new brand, AZ Factory, after serving as creative director for Lanvin; he also spent time at Lanvin, Guy Laroche and Geoffrey Beene during his legendary career.
Katie Holmes shared her own memory of Elbaz. “He was so very kind to my daughter and me,” she wrote on Instagram. “And full of joy. He made people feel so special. I am so grateful to have had the experiences I did have with him. May he Rest In Peace.”
Additional memories were shared by actresses Julianne Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker—”Godspeed and RIP” she posted to her Instagram account—as well as fellow designer Stella McCartney.
“He was a light like no other in the world,” shared McCartney. “In fashion, his immense talent shone so bright that it tore up the conventions and wrapped a million souls in happiness when they wore his creations. I will miss you sir very, very much….”
