Alber Elbaz

The news that designer Alber Elbaz left couture house Lanvin and might go to Dior was shocking and full of speculation. I decided to do Alber's portrait a week before the news, as I admire his designs and spirit.  The news simply gave me the image. I grew up with the Lanvin story, Arpege was my Grandmother's favorite perfume. Alber's round shape, which is so much a part of his character, echoed both the bottle of Lanvin's signature scent and also the classic "D" of Dior.  Dior, of course reminded me of a door, fashion's revolving door was a natural mind flow.  This dress, which I will never forget seeing live, sailing like an unreal heavenly apparition on the Paris runway, has a little "ode" to it at the bottom of the door.