"Celebrity Watch Hunting" is a serial column that takes a snapshot of what kind of watches celebrities around the world are wearing. The late Alber Elbaz, who created an era as a designer for Lanvin, preferred to wear Rolex and Cartier during his lifetime.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Article published on June 2021, 5
Alber Elbaz, a kind-hearted designer with Moroccan roots
Alber Elbaz, a large man with black-rimmed glasses and a gentle look that seems to emanate from deep within his eyes, was born in Morocco and moved to Israel at the age of 10. His Israeli father died when he was young, and he was raised by his Spanish mother.
His mother is an artist, so his childhood experiences likely informed his keen sensibility and creative process. He studied fashion at Shenkar College of Textile Technology and Fashion in Israel. After graduating, he moved to New York with just $800 and worked for Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent.
Elbaz's career is perhaps best known for his 14 years as artistic director at Lanvin. Many of the remaining fashion event snapshots feature him smiling with a slightly embarrassed look on his face, and the gentle expressions of the people gathered around him are striking. These photos clearly show how deeply loved Elbaz was by those around him. In interviews, he often used the words "I love people" and "love."
Lanvin, the haute couture brand that Elbaz worked for, is known for its high-end image. However, it is still fresh in our memory that it has conveyed the joy of fashion and passion for dressing up to the younger generation through collaborations with Acne Studios and H&M. First, let's take a look at the Cartier Tank Américaine that Elbaz wore during his time at Lanvin.
Cartier Tank Américaine
Cartier's Tank Américaine, characterized by its vertical face and flowing curves, has many fans, both men and women, due to its elegant design that is suitable for both parties and business settings.
The Roman numerals, deep blue hands, and pale beige dial create an antique atmosphere. It is a delicate and elegant design that has remained beloved since its release in 1989.
Alber Elbaz's designs place emphasis on being "comfortable and looking beautiful." Even in the clothes he himself wears, for example, the length of his pants, the width of his hem, and the size and shape of his bow tie, you can see that he has an exquisite sense of balance.
The Tank Américaine worn by Elbaz has a balanced, streamlined presence with the iconic vertical parallel lines.
