Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Inside Alber Elbaz’s Return to Fashion

With the debut of his new label AZ Factory, the storied designer is on to something unique that points to a post-Covid future, writes Tim Blanks.
Alber Elbaz launched his new line, AZ Factory, at Paris Fashion Week haute couture. AZ Factory.
Alber Elbaz launched his new line, AZ Factory, at Paris Couture Week. AZ Factory.

Five years ago, Alber Elbaz fell so far out of love with fashion that “What next?” weighed heavy on him. One industry exec heard he was planning a move into electronics. Elbaz chokes with laughter at the very thought. “I have zero sense of technology,” he zoomed at me. “And I don’t even have a driving licence so I cannot be a cab driver.” Minus even

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Fashion Week
Independent show reviews from fashion’s top critics.

Fashion and the Forces of Nature

Nadège Vanhée at Hermès, Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton and Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu all engaged with the natural world this season. Plus, what to make of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sophomore show for Balenciaga.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

What Stops Beauty Shoppers From Buying More

Beauty brands must rethink upselling with smarter value plays, from curated bundles to jumbo sizes and subscriptions, to keep their customers from switching to the competition.


Who Won Fashion’s Red Carpet Season of Change

Sunday night’s Oscars concluded an awards season that fashion’s biggest labels used to show off their new creative game. BoF breaks down what we learned about brands’ celebrity strategies.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON