Alber Elbaz is said to be exiting Lanvin. WWD has learned of the development, which is expected to be made public shortly. The paper’s sources said the decision followed a prolonged rift between the designer — who, in 14 years, elevated the heritage label into a top-tier Paris maison — and the company’s Taiwanese owner.

The stunning news comes on the heels of Raf Simons’ departure from Dior , leading to much anxious discussion concerning the mounting pressures placed on creative directors of large houses. On the very day of that announcement, Elbaz spoke on the topic of designers’ shifting roles upon accepting an award from Fashion Group International in New York.