Fashion News Alert: Brad Pitt’s V Magazine Cover, Elbaz Exits Lanvin, and Coco Rocha’s New Holiday Bags

Alber Elbaz is out. Out of Lanvin that is. After 14 years, creative director Alber Elbaz has left the House of Lanvin. Now, the big question is did Elbaz leave on his own accord or was he forced out?

With so many creative directors leaving iconic fashion houses of late—Donna Karan, Ralph Rucci, Raf Simons, Frida Giannini—one wonders if there is something fishy at the House of Lanvin. Tongues are wagging that Elbaz may take the reins at Dior now that Simons has been given the proverbial boot!!

According to wwd.com, early Wednesday morning Lanvin employees were informed of Elbaz’s departure. Sources confirm that Elbaz had actually cleaned out his desk Tuesday night. Wednesday morning angry and disgruntled Lanvin employees expressed support of Elbaz and demanded to know the future of the company and their jobs.

I wish to express my gratitude and warm thoughts to all those who have worked with me passionately on the revival of Lanvin over the last 14 years; express my affection to all my wonderful colleagues in the Lanvin ateliers who accompanied me, and who enriched and supported my work,” Elbaz wrote. “Together, we have met the creative challenge presented by Lanvin and have restored its radiance and returned it to its rightful position among France’s absolute luxury fashion houses.”

Though Elbaz is credited for reviving the House of Lanvin in recent months there was reported contention with company principals Shaw-Lan Wang and Michele Huiban. Oh, the power of the corporate boardroom at the expense of creativity!!

Is this Brad Pitt?

Is that Brad Pitt or a young Robert Redford on the November cover of V magazine? In the November issue of V, Pitt talks about his kids and marriage to Angelina Jolie and their recent film project, “By the Sea.”

“By the Sea’ deals with that period when the honeymoon is well over and the couple is faced with the banality of every day and the pains of the unplanned. There are no Hallmark cards that define the next chapter, or the value of a history together. So who are you?” explained Pitt in a recent cbsnews.com article.

The 70s–inspired photo shoot of the 51-year old actor was shot by Inez & Vinoodh. Still, it does look like Robert Redford!!

The new bag lady

There is a new bag lady in town and it’s not anyone you might think. It’s supermodel Coco Rocha. Coco Rocha did you say? Yes, that’s right Coco Rocha.

Coco has recently been tapped to design a line of holiday handbags for Botkier. This exclusive holiday collection will hits stores in November and contain six distinct styles. Famous fashion capitals around the world inspire the style and design of the bags.

—William S. Gooch