Bali expat community rocked by 'beautiful' fashion designer's death at 47: Shattered friends speak at Seminyak memorial

Fashion designer Marcelle Laboux has died at the age of 47, plunging the Australian expat community in Bali into grief.

Laboux, who is originally from France, died last Wednesday. A memorial service was held a week later in front of the beachside Italian restaurant La Lucciola in Seminyak. 

Her death was announced by her close friend, Phoebe Durland, in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

'There are some people who leave pieces of themselves in every life they touch. Our beautiful Marcelle was one of them,' Durland's post began. 

'On Wednesday, 22 July, at 8am, we will gather on the beach in front of La Lucciola to celebrate her extraordinary life, honour her boundless love, and say goodbye together.

'If you are able, we invite you to bring a single flower.' 

'Whether you come with stories, silence, laughter, tears, or simply an open heart, we would be so grateful to have you with us,' Durland continued.

'Marcelle loved deeply, and in doing so, she taught so many of us how to love. We hope you'll join us in carrying that love forward.' 

The post was reshared by notable Australian expat Ozlem Esen, an old friend of P.E Nation founder Pip Edwards and the woman behind the transformation of a former Canggu surf camp into the boutique Corduroy Hotel.

Esen added three broken heart emojis in the caption, suggesting a close relationship. 

Followers flocked to the comments of the initial announcement to share their condolences with Durland.

'A beautiful soul gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to you and everyone who loved her,' one person wrote.

'Sending a full heart of love for this loss. What a beautiful human,' another added.

A third commented: 'Sending deep condolences and so much love to you, Phoebe, and to all who knew and loved this beautiful woman!

'I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. May she be forever free!'

'Connecting in from afar. My heart is feeling it so much. Sending love to the family and her children,' said another.

'I'm sorry for your loss, Phoebe! Sending healing hugs!' wrote another user.

American DJ Meikee Magnetic also commemorated Laboux online by sharing a throwback photo of her on Facebook. 

'Marcelle Laboux, such a big part of the fabric of so many lives, including mine,' he wrote.

'It was a pleasure being your friend and hosting you in Tokyo back in the day. We all will miss you tremendously.'

Laboux was a French fashion designer best known for founding the minimalist, avant-garde clothing brand Monarc 1 in Bali in 2010.

She began working in the fashion industry at the age of 17, collaborating with opera houses and artists before making couture looks for red carpet events.