Meaningful, joyful, and exuberantly beaming with love, the tribute fashion show “Love Brings Love” honors the brilliant designer Alber Elbaz in a celebration of both his design and personal legacies. The designer, whose devastating death at 59 from Covid-19 in April of this year, is still felt within the fashion industry and beyond. This tribute collection brings together 45 designers and fashion houses—from Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga to Christion Dior Couture and Givenchy—to honor the beloved Elbaz’s esteemed craftsmanship, creativity, and signature heart and bow tie embellishments. 

 

The show closes Paris Fashion Week in a commemorative display of adoration and appreciation for the late designer. Fellow designers, family, friends, and admirers gathered together to see other fashion houses’ interpretations of Elbaz’s iconic designs and of the designer’s personal, whimsical style. A series of stunning designs by the AZ Factory team followed the 45 designers’ tribute pieces in an acclamation of Elbaz of their own, including a poignant final look worn by model Amber Valletta, who embodied the designer himself. Donning a tailored long suit jacket with embroidered scenes of Elbaz’s most iconic designs, this final look made a deeply emotional impact.   

 

 

“My challenge is to always be attentive and support women in this world,” said Elbaz, quoted by the AZ Factory on Instagram. “I want to make solutions that project confidence, comfort, and beauty. I had a dream to make a dress, just a simple dress, that can hug a woman. A dress that will hold you when you need it.” The legendary black My Body dress, designed by Elbaz himself for AZ Factory, opened the tribute show, honoring the late designer’s thoughtful vision towards creating clothes for women.   

 

Elbaz’s romantic, joyful—though always elegant and chic—design spirit and love of hearts came through in the heart-inspired tribute pieces from such design houses as Alaïa, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vetements, and Viktor & Rolf. Others chose to pay tribute to Elbaz’s personal, signature look of a bow tie and dark framed glasses in a variety of ways. From a classic suit by Ralph Lauren to a suit-meets-skirt and bodice designed after the glasses by Rosie Assoulin, Elbaz’s charming spirit was honored in a multitude of creative designs.

 

 

 

 

The cherished designer’s classic styles including draping, voluminous forms, and of course, ruffles, were celebrated by the likes of Versace, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen. Also celebrating these signature design motifs was the AZ Factory team, whose stunning mini dresses, bodysuits, and taffetted jackets and shawls in a variety of vibrant colors took clear inspiration from the iconic founder. 

 

 

 

 

 

The show came to an emotionally charged and memorable close when the backdrop curtain dropped to reveal all of the tribute designs lined in three-tier scaffolding, with an image of Elbaz at the center. Heart-shaped confetti burst forth in a poignant salute, celebrating Elbaz’s own heart-filled career and his everlasting impact on the lives of many.