AZ Factory Spring/Summer 2024
In a poignant tribute to the late Alber Elbaz, the creative minds behind AZ Factory, Norman René Devera and Peter Movrin, took center stage for the unveiling of the Spring Summer 2024 collection, aptly titled “AZ Factory By Them.” These talented designers, who have long labored behind the scenes with esteemed labels, seized the moment to shine, their dedication to Elbaz’s vision and legacy palpable in every stitch.
Devera and Movrin, handpicked by Elbaz himself in 2019, bring a wealth of experience from their stints at major fashion houses. As the design director and senior designer respectively, they are deeply committed to upholding Elbaz’s ethos of celebrating life through fashion. “For Alber, fashion was all about joy,” Devera reflects. “Giving women the joy of wearing a mood-lifting dress and celebrating life. That’s how we wanted the collection to feel.”
Their inspiration stemmed from imagining what the daughters of Elbaz’s devoted clientele would wear today. Designed to resonate with women of all generations, the collection portrayed a day in the life of a modern lady, from the leisurely morning hours in her lover’s white cotton shirt to the evening’s glamour in draped satin minidresses and vibrant négligés with delicate lace finishes.
A poignant touch infuses the collection as over 60% of the fabrics are sourced from deadstock, including remnants from Elbaz’s earliest creations. This sentimental gesture adds a personal dimension to the homage, resonating with those who fondly remember Lanvin’s legendary shows and coveted designs. Elbaz’s beloved roses take center stage, rendered in vibrant hues on sumptuous silk duchesse, evoking a sense of playful nostalgia.
Their inspiration stemmed from imagining what the daughters of Elbaz’s devoted clientele would wear today. Designed to resonate with women of all generations, the collection portrayed a day in the life of a modern lady, from the leisurely morning hours in her lover’s white cotton shirt to the evening’s glamour in draped satin minidresses and vibrant négligés with delicate lace finishes.
A significant aspect of the collection was its use of deadstock fabrics, with over 60% sourced from Elbaz’s early collections—a poignant and deeply personal homage. For those who cherished Lanvin’s memorable shows and coveted its dresses, the references were unmistakable, reimagined with a playful and vibrant spirit. Elbaz’s beloved roses took center stage, printed in eye-catching color combinations on sumptuous silk duchesse, adding a touch of whimsy to the fabric.
This sumptuous fabric was artfully draped into sleeveless asymmetrical dresses, tailored into svelte ensembles, or pleated into swirling trapeze-cut minidresses. Techniques learned from the maestro were honored and revitalized, from intricate sequin embroidery to crystal fringe for the captivating evening dresses that concluded the show.
Devera and Movrin’s approach was not rooted in nostalgia but in a delicate and respectful demonstration of how Elbaz’s legacy could be invigorated with creativity and verve. Their execution skills were impeccable, showcasing a collection that stood as a testament to joy, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Alber Elbaz—a celebration of life through fashion.
All images courtsey of AZ FACTORY
