Is Alber Elbaz leaving Lanvin?

For instance, at Lanvin Elbaz was one of the first designers to show his pre-collections to the press – indeed, when I met with the designer earlier this month, just after his Lanvin show, he bemoaned that he felt partially responsible for the current speed of the fashion cycle given the visibility he placed on those collections, and the effort he expounded.

WWD broke the news this morning, which was followed by a statement released by Elbaz, saying, “I wish the house of Lanvin the future it deserves among the best French luxury brands”.

Considering that the timing of this departure is so close to Raf Simons resigning from Dior-and that Elbaz was reportedly considered for that same role when John Galliano was ousted over racist remarks in 2011-questions about whether Elbaz will succeed Simons are already circulating.

In his lengthy tenure with Lanvin, Elbaz has been decorated with many of fashion’s most prestigious honors, from CFDA nods to the French Legion of Honour.

Many industry specialists say Lanvin has the potential to be one of the industry’s biggest fashion brands and could replicate the phenomenal success of Valentino.

The designer – known for his charmisma, flair and couture-like approach to ready-to-wear – had a successful if disrupted career prior to Lanvin.

Elbaz’s fashion career, after his studies in America, began with Geoffrey Beene in New York, with whom he worked from 1989 to 1996.

Alber Elbaz at the Lanvin show during Paris fashion week in 2008. He left the label and started working at Krizia in Italy; Ford’s appointment made him “feel like a widow”, he said. It was not until 2001, when Elbaz was brought in to head up Lanvin’s creative team, that he found his feet. During his stint at the fashion house, he has been universally praised.

The news comes during a period of musical chairs in fashion, with Simons’ departure preceded by Alexander Wang’s withdrawal from Balenciaga. Speculations in the industry talking now about the possibility that Elbaz could take his place.

Elbaz’s departure from Lanvin, now celebrating it’s 125 anniversary, throws open another opportunity for a designer with their eye on a top job.