The nature of fashion is family. You see that at almost every house, it was owned first by a family. It wasn't owned by a bank.
Alber ElbazFor me, Lancome was more than just a brand. There was something very nostalgic about the name, about the whole story.
Alber ElbazIn fashion, we have a reputation for being such a faรงade, fake people, but none of the fashion people who I know are fake.
Alber ElbazI like first class, but I don't like first class people - I prefer the people in coach. I like fine restaurants, but prefer the taste of McDonalds. I like to be perfect, but I don't like perfection - I think it's dangerous. There is nothing after perfection. I know, I am a walking contradiction.
Alber ElbazH&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.
Alber Elbaz