You’ve been expecting them… The Pointy Sneaks have arrived. An innovative, hybrid design from Alber Elbaz combining the comfort of a sneaker and the stylish details of a pointed-toe shoe. The Pointy Sneaks are intended for (your) life on the go.
...Run, do not walk. This first drop be around for long. Click here to shop Pointy Sneaks.
Sharp edges and sleek, elongated lines highlight a lean silhouette, and the curved arch of the sole creates the illusion of a taller figure. The rubber and neoprene body of the shoe molds to the foot, providing comfort and stability, and the performance-like construction protects the foot by absorbing impact, for better overall mobility. The lightweight design has a second-skin feel to it, perfect for life on-the-go.
"We've never been asked to do this before..." - That's what the AZ Factory team loves to hear when meeting with our partners the first time.
We collaborate closely with our suppliers and manufacturers in the pursuit of true innovation, taking the time we need to get it right. In the case of Anatoknit and the MyBody product story, Alber asked the design team to work like engineers, merging technology and design to sculpt the body. It took 9 months of back and forths with our partners to get the perfect fit.
Turning dreams into reality is our day job. Sometimes dreams can be nightmares, but this is when it becomes interesting. Although not always easy! We can let go of those nightmares when we find solutions. We turn these nightmares into dreams again. - Alber Elbaz
AnatoKnit is AZ Factory’s new innovative knitwear technology composed of ENKA® Viscose and Lycra. This ultra-soft and flexible textile is specially engineered to strategically sculpt and support the body, while allowing for breathability and comfortable movement. Different knitting techniques, invisible to the human eye, work with the natural curves of the body to provide gradual compression in specific targeted areas. The result is a smooth, streamlined silhouette that simultaneously hugs and shapes you.
Shop the MyBody product story now here.
Our third product story, SuperTech-SuperChic, takes hi-tech to high-fashion. Eco-dyed nylon microfiber fabrics traditionally used in activewear are now transformed into seasonless fashion pieces inspired by couture.
Coming soon in late Spring.
The inspiration for our second product story, Switchwear, came from the desire to give the gift of time. Switchwear promises a quick look transformation, going from leisurewear to fabulous in under one minute with bodysuits, hoodies, pyjamas and glam duchesse add-ons made from recycled yarn.
Coming early March - stay tuned!
AZ Factory brings you Pointy Sneaks, combining the comfort of a sneaker with the elongating visual effect of a pointy-toe pump! Can you run in your pumps?
Discover all the Pointy Sneaks here.
With AZ Factory’s first product story, MyBody, Alber re-imagined the little black dress for today. The MyBody dresses, tops, and leggings are made with AnatoKnit, a specially engineered knitwear that gently shapes the silhouette while providing support and comfort.
For the first product story from AZ Factory, Alber Elbaz wanted to re-imagine the little black dress - the most iconic and essential piece in a woman's wardrobe. And to give it a new purpose. A dress that can “HUG” you. That makes you feel it was done JUST for YOU.
Each piece from the MyBody product story is designed with AZ Factory’s AnatoKnit technology to smoothly hold the waist and backside. Thoughtfully intended to look good on all body types, these pieces comfortably hug and shape your silhouette while enhancing your natural curves. The boning at the back supports your posture. And ergonomic design features allow for movement and breathability. The signature AZ Factory zipper is featured here first, allowing for easy closure without help.
AnatoKnit is AZ Factory’s new innovative knitwear technology composed of ENKA® Viscose and Lycra. This ultra-soft and flexible textile is specially engineered to strategically sculpt and support the body, while allowing for breathability and comfortable movement. Different knitting techniques invisible to the human eye work with the natural curves of the body to provide gradual compression in specific targeted areas. The result is a smooth, streamlined silhouette that simultaneously hugs and shapes you.
See more about the MyBody product story here.
Alber Elbaz never wanted AZ Factory to launch with an every day fashion show. From the beginning, he had in mind something bigger. How could he explain to the world what was in his heart?
Something entertaining, of course. Alber was sure that the presentation had to make us laugh. It definitely needed some education elements to really explain the details, the struggles and the triumphs of the research and development around the products. Moments of emotional reality - a bit of vulnerability and humility is part of our DNA. And above all, it had to be FASHION! What else?
The solution? The SHOW FASHION from AZ Factory!
For our friends in China, watch the film here.
Want to get to know the man behind the brand?
Alber Elbaz was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and raised in Israel from the age of one. He studied at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. In 1985, he started his work in fashion in New York with the iconic designer Geoffrey Beene, staying on for seven years as Head Designer. In 1996, Alber became the Design Director at Guy Laroche in Paris, before succeeding Monsieur Yves Saint-Laurent at YSL as Creative Director of Rive Gauche from 1998 to 2000.
In 2001, Alber started his 14-year tenure as Creative Director at Lanvin, earning critical and commercial success for the house, and cementing a worldwide reputation as a beloved designer. In 2019, he announced AZ Factory in partnership with Richemont. AZ Factory is his return to the work and the people he loves. It will also manifest his dynamic new approach to innovation and design, as well as his unshakable attention to the real needs of women globally.
A few years ago, while attending a U2 concert in Paris, Bono dedicated the song “Beautiful Day” to Alber on stage. He was so touched - as a thank you he posted a selfie of the two of them on his new Instagram account. Alber was told that he should add a "hashtag" on the post. Not knowing what that meant, he wrote what came to his heart: #alberandamigos. He continued to use this hashtag for the posts that were dearest to him, when he was with his closest friends.
When we began AZ Factory, it was very important for Alber that everyone we interact with be treated as friends - and especially our customers. That's why our membership program and our community is now called Alber & Amigos - to keep you all close to our hearts. Over time, we hope to get to know each and every one of the amigos better. With this friendship, we will continue to create beautiful, purposeful fashion that responds to your needs with style.
Head here to sign up for Alber & Amigos.
And here to see the original Alber & Amigos post from Alber!
We are so happy to have you with us here at AZ Factory as we open our virtual doors for the first time. We strive to marry smart product design and educational entertainment in an innovative way, with the promise to surprise, delight and, most of all, bring purposeful, beautiful fashion into your life.
We are on a journey to design beautiful, purposeful, solutions-driven fashion that works for everyone. We are life, not just lifestyle, a place to experiment and try new things, our way. - Alber Elbaz
Learn more about AZ Factory and our mission here on our About Us Page.
For press materials, please head here.
