The expatriate community in Bali is mourning the loss of fashion designer Marcelle Laboux, who died last Wednesday at the age of 47. Originally from France, Laboux was known for founding the minimalist, avant-garde clothing brand Monarc 1 in Bali in 2010.
A memorial service was held on the beach in front of the Italian restaurant La Lucciola in Seminyak, where friends and fellow expats gathered to celebrate her life. Laboux's close friend, Phoebe Durland, announced her death in an Instagram post, describing her as someone who left pieces of herself in every life she touched.
"Our beautiful Marcelle was one of them," Durland wrote in her tribute. "We hope you'll join us in carrying that love forward. Marcelle loved deeply, and in doing so, she taught so many of us how to love."
Ozlem Esen, an Australian expat and owner of the Corduroy Hotel, shared Durland's post, adding three broken heart emojis. Tributes also came from American DJ Meikee Magnetic, who shared a throwback photo and reflected on their friendship.
Laboux began her career in fashion at 17, collaborating with opera houses and artists before creating couture looks for red carpet events. Her passing has deeply affected those who knew her in the vibrant Bali expat scene.