the_soulful_side_of_life_podcast_allyson_portee.jpg

Podcast

Fashion journalist and editor of SEELE Magazine Ally Portee lets you in on some of her conversations with inspiring people from around the world in fashion, faith, entertainment, music, and entrepreneurship. Basically, these are conversations from the soulful side of life about topics that will hopefully inspire your life.

Episode 10: Alber Elbaz, A Memory

 
 
 
 

This interview was done in February 2021, two months before Alber Elbaz died. He was an inspiring man. I actually met him in January 2020 when he was honored at an event by the Parsons School of Design. There are three designers in fashion that are so incredible humble and down to earth that I have ever met and that’s: Pierpaolo, Paul Smith, and the late Alber Elbaz.

When completing his conscription service in Israel, Elbaz went to design school. In 1985 he left Israel for NYC with $800 in his pocket. He worked for Geoffrey Beene, Guy Larouche, was creative director of Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin. He took some time off from fashion to grow, heal, and travel. And, came back in 2019 and started his own brand: AZ Factory, a Richemont backed brand. He was always thinking about how to make women’s lives easier so he created things like zippers with long fabric that aids a woman in zipping up her dress.

In April 2019 it was announced he died. I remember a friend WhatsApp’d me. As I awoke that Sunday morning, looking at my messages with sleep still in my eyes my heart sank. When I think about it now my heart skips a beat. Elbaz was truly a delight and inspiration to so many around the world. Enjoy this interview, my interview with fashion designer Alber Elbaz.