He left us at the beginning of this year. The most human, tender, funny, one of the most talented and rear figures. The designer, the couturier who played huge role in the contemporary fashion, Alber Elbaz.

After he was fired from Lanvin – abruptly and brutally – Parisian maison which Alber revived from actual oblivion, Elbaz was long searching himself, his place, his new project. These were years of few collaborations, memorable speeches at Business of Fashion “voices”, reflections.

And finally, Richemont Group made a proposition to a “homeless” genie: they gave Alber Elbaz a carte blanche to creat a new brand, the one which perfectly reflects his personality, his vision, his attitude; basically, he was free to be and to do what he wants.

And he did it- the fist collection of AZ Factory (the brand’s name, A for the first letter in “Alber” and Z for the last in “Elbaz”) was different, it indeed resembles its creator: joyful, colorful, it was made for women, all kind of women: tall and small, young and older, curvy and skinny, with all skin colors and ethnicities; the cloths Alber designed was intended to make us desirable and at the same time it gave us an opportunity to feel comfy and confidently inside.

And then, he is gone.

The last day of this first “phygital” (physical x digital) Parisian Fashion week spring-summer 2022 was closed by this unforgettable show, homage to Israeli couturier. More than 40 fashion designers, living legends from Jean Paul Gaultier to Victor&Rolf, Vivien Westwood, Rick Owens, Demna Gvasalia, Donatella Versace and many others, united to create looks inspired by Alber Elbaz, the way to thank the later magician for everything he brought to the fashion world, while the rest of the show was build by the “widowed” AZ Factory team.

That was one of those moments, precious as exceptional, when we, at the assistance submerged by feelings shared by everyone, realized that fashion, despite its ephemerality and apparent superficiality is a place which make us dream and where the most extraordinary, unbelievable and impossible dreams come true.

When Amber Valletta walked in a very recognizable manner (and look) of Albert Elbaz for the final bow, no one can stop tears.

Photo credit: HCN & Vogue Runway