Fashion designer Alber Elbaz, who worked as creative director at French fashion houses Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent, has passed away at the age of 59.
The designer, who recently launched his own AZ Factory label, died from Covid-19, reported the Guardian newspaper.
Elbaz one of industry's "most beloved figures"
His death was confirmed by luxury goods company Richemont, which backed his AZ Factory label that launched in January this year.
"Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry's brightest and most beloved figures," said Richemont chairman Johann Rupert.
"It was a great privilege watching Alber in his last endeavour as he worked to realise his dreams of 'smart fashion that cares'," Rupert added. "His inclusive vision of fashion made women feel beautiful and comfortable by blending traditional craftsmanship with technology ? highly innovative projects which sought to redefine the industry."

Elbaz was the creative director of fashion house Lanvin in Paris from 2001 until 2015 and was previously creative director of Yves Saint Laurent for three years.
He also worked at fashion brands including Geoffrey Beene and Guy Laroche.
Fashion has "lost one of its brightest designers"
Fashion designers and brands paid their respect to the designer on social media.
"With the sudden passing of Alber Elbaz, the fashion industry has lost one of its brightest and most sensitive designers," Moët Hennessy...