R.I.P. Alber Elbaz

Yesterday, we lost a beloved creative in the fashion industry. Designer Alber Elbaz, best known for revitalizing Lanvin during his 14 years as creative director, died of COVID-19 at the age of 59.

Elbaz was a precious figure in fashion, possessing both humility and humanity—characteristics which in and of themselves are rare in an industry where vanity and decadence often impede the ability to simply be kind. Instantly recognizable in his oversized, thick-framed glasses and an assortment of bow ties, he was a shy yet jovial man whose sincere warmth solidified his status as a respected industry darling.

Beyond his affable nature, Elbaz is remembered for transforming the house of Lanvin. In my eyes, Elbaz became synonymous with the label: Elbaz was Lanvin, and Lanvin without Elbaz was not Lanvin at all. I still point to Lanvin Spring/Summer 2011 RTW as a notable collection in the history of runway I will never forget. Elbaz was a master of cocktail dresses: ruffled, shimmery, jewel-toned, and embellished. Yet his designs were neither mawkishly girly nor blatantly sexy; they were romantic in a way that was powerful and determined. Despite being unceremoniously let go from Lanvin at the ruling of the majority stakeholder in 2015 (a decision the company must surely regret in hindsight), I recall reading of Elbaz's genuine excitement over launching his own line, AZfashion, in 2019. We can only wish Elbaz was given more time to showcase what would have manifested under this new freedom.

Elbaz’s passing is a heartache that comes with the frustrating reminder that COVID-19, as with any disease, does not discriminate—it does not judge, it does not evaluate, it does not stay away from those with gentle souls. As unfortunate and disheartening as it is to know that Elbaz became a victim of this pandemic, I have no doubt he battled COVID-19 courageously with grace and quietly without bitterness, just like he always did in fashion. To the man who slowly built an empire with nothing but modesty, may you R.I.P.

Image Source: Belfast Telegraph

R.I.P. Karl Lagerfeld

Of course, I always knew the world would one day lose Karl Lagerfeld. The cycle of life and death spares no one. But he was such a monumental figure in fashion that I oftentimes pondered what his eventual death would mean for the industry. Without a doubt, I knew it would be a cataclysmic moment, shattering what we would have come to know as comfort in his existence. In my mind, his passing would define our eras in the industry: Before Karl and After Karl. 

Yet no matter how much I knew his death would one day be brought down upon us, Lagerfeld's passing has come far sooner and far more unexpectedly than even I have prepared myself for. Lagerfeld's larger than life character could have fooled us into thinking he possessed otherworldly immorality. His joie de vivre made him ageless, and his indefatigable work ethic made him unstoppable. Even though I knew he would ultimately leave us, I could never truly imagine it. So it was with considerable disbelief that I woke up yesterday to news of his death. I wasn't ready. We weren't ready. A Tuesday morning that would have otherwise been so simple and quotidian, if it weren't for the fact fashion had witnessed a pivotal change that would alter its course from here on out.

The inimitable Lagerfeld headed the helm of Chanel, Fendi and his own eponymous label, churning out up to 20 collections a year. While some may opine he worked tirelessly to produce looks which became quite tiring, there is no doubt he remained as steadfastly relevant as ever. He managed to create memorable experiences for women in his clothing, orchestrate awe-inspiring shows, and persist as one of fashion's most respected voices. Lagerfeld's ability to present a succinct vision for Chanel consistently collection after collection was precisely what made him so successful. After all these years of designing (he started at Fendi 52 years ago), there are still countless collections from past and present I hold up as shining stars of each season. I called him Kaiser because he truly was a king -- and like a king, he was both revered as equally as he was feared. His sharp, unapologetic bon mots served as bountiful inspiration and made him an icon in his own right. At 85, while most others would have been far into their retirement, Lagerfeld refused to take a break, working right up until his death. How could one not deeply admire this devotion to a life of fashion.

Even though Lagerfeld is gone and the world no longer has this extraordinary artist, it does not mean we have lost him. His influence surrounds us, and will continue to for decades to come. Perhaps I wasn't wrong in perceiving Lagerfeld to be immortal. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did, and what he has given us will last an eternity. To the man whose legacy will surely prove to be as relentless as he was, may you R.I.P.

Image Source: The Fashion Law

R.I.P. Kate Spade

The news came unexpectedly -- not because of timing, but because suicide was not something I ever imagined would befall fashion designer Kate Spade.

I had admired her namesake label since my early days of following fashion. Her vibrant, feminine designs dripped with sunny optimism. She became the go-to designer for women who wanted punchy, youthful handbags. Although Spade sold her company in 2006, her legacy remained with the brand and up to this day, Kate Spade continues to invoke childish glee in shoppers with fun, adorable accessories. Standing its ground against the industry's haughty exterior to declare a smile as the greatest accessory of all, Kate Spade truly is the candy of fashion.

So never did I expect Spade to have harboured such deep suffering. She is now the third prolific designer to have committed suicide in the past decade, following L'Wren Scott and Alexander McQueen. In a sense of renewed urgency, what Spade kept hidden has now shed light on the shadows of depression and mental health.

To the woman who spread happiness to others through her creations, may you R.I.P.

Image Source: Hello

R.I.P. Oscar de la Renta

The news was broken to me by a friend: "Oscar died".  At first I was racking my brain for an actor I knew named Oscar, until my friend sent the crushing words, "The fashion designer". That's when my heart dropped.  With suddenly cold hands, I immediately Googled what I knew I wouldn't want to believe.  Last night, Oscar de la Renta passed away.

I have been following this prolific designer ever since I started my blog four years ago.  I was completely amazed by his elegance.  He was a designer for the ladies of high society, and I adored how he always stayed true to old-school ballroom sophistication. There are few designers out there who dare have such an unabashedly uptown aesthetic, but de la Renta made clothing for grown ups, and I always respected him for that.  

Sometimes I wonder how the passing of designers can have such an impact on me, but then I realize it's because they've touched me emotionally. As any creative person will know, putting out a piece of work comes with great vulnerability.  Designers bare their soul to us every season, and every fashion show becomes an intimate exchange. I may not have known de la Renta personally, but his creativity knows no physical boundaries.

After learning that de la Renta had passed the reins of his namesake label earlier this month to Peter Copping, I am comforted to know de la Renta was ready to let go. To the man who left both his design house and the world with utmost grace and dignity, may you R.I.P.

Image Source: MissInfo

R.I.P. L'Wren Scott

I became aware of the shocking and tragic news through Facebook. "Designer L'Wren Scott Found Dead".

Silence.  Just silence.

Time froze as I recalled what I knew of Scott.  I wasn't a follower of her work, but I knew who she was. I first encountered her in Vogue when she gave a tour of her home, as seen in the above photo. Even through the pages, I could tell she had a presence - that raven hair, those mile-long legs, and that smile. It made you think she knew something you didn't. She exuded confidence.

Throughout the years, I've chanced upon her name several more times in magazines, learning she was a former model, a respected celebrity stylist, an avid vintage jewellery collector, and a designer of glamorous, sensual, and always radiant pieces.

To a talented designer, stunning model, and beautiful woman, may you R.I.P.

Image Source: Vogue.com

In Remembrance of McQueen

On this day one year ago, the tragic news of Alexander McQueen's death paralyzed the fashion world.  I had just begun to follow McQueen, and was starting to become familiar with his ground-breaking aesthetic, when news of his death hit me.  Even for someone like me, who had only followed McQueen for a year, his death shook me to the core.  I remember being in shock for the rest of the day, not being able to digest the loss of such a talented designer.  To mark this anniversary, here is a look at some of McQueen's most memorable moments (in reality, all of his collections deserve this title, and this is a very small sampling):

Fall/Winter 1996

Spring/Summer 1999

Spring/Summer 2001

Fall/Winter 2003

Spring/Summer 2003

Spring/Summer 2004

Fall/Winter 2006

Fall/Winter 2006

Spring/Summer 2010

Looking back, McQueen continued to shock us throughout his career and while we may have lost a visionary, his vision will certainly never die.

Image Source: McQueen, Photo1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8