Here are the Top News Stories from this Week


Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Teen Vogue

Elaine Welteroth departs from Teen Vogue
Announced Thursday, Elaine Welteroth, Teen Vogue’s EIC, is leaving Condé Nast. Shortly after the announcement was made public, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively announced Welteroth has signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency). Of the representation, THR quotes, “CAA will work with Welteroth to expand her opportunities in film, television, digital, branding and endorsements as well as speaking engagements.” The news is not unexpected as Condé Nast shuttered Teen Vogue’s print edition in November leaving some uncertainty in Welteroth’s role. At Teen Vogue, she shaped more progressive coverage and political and social engagement. [FASHIONISTA]

Leaving Harper’s, Stephen Gan takes a turn at Elle
Stephen Gan is taking his creative director role at Harper’s Bazaar U.S. over to Elle U.S., where he will report to editor-in-chief Nina Garcia and is tasked to give Elle a new look through new creatives. Hearst hasn’t named who will replace him at Bazaar. Gan maintains his helm at V Magazine and VMan. [WWD]

Samantha Barry next-in-line at Glamour US following Cindi Leive
Anna Wintour calls her the magazine’s “first digital-native editor,” as Samantha Barry takes the place of Glamour’s longtime editor-in-chief Cindi Leive. Wintour refers to Barry coming from her position as the head of social media at CNN, a role she had since 2014 working with social teams and emerging media. Effective at Glamour January 15th, she will be responsible for the magazine’s brand, content and consumer experience, and likely will bring a modern perspective considering her resume. [Business of Fashion]

Kenzo drops it’s latest film collaboration “Yo! My Saint.”
Kenzo’s love for filmmakers and collaborations–See Spike Jonze’s dancing Margaret Qualley for his Kenzo World perfume short film if you haven’t–has taken the shape of a music/fashion short film with original music from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ front-person, Karen O. and directed by Ana Lily Amirpour entitled “Yo! My Saint. It’s the sixth film in Kenzo’s series and features an all-Asian cast: musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and model Sayoko Yamaguchi. Amirpour, known for directing the buzzy, independent film and Iranian noir “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” was enlisted by the Kenzo’s creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim. Kenzo describes the innovate piece of advertising as, “a three-pronged artistic endeavor incorporating music, film, and fashion. It’s not just a song, or a film, or clothes. It’s a project, and the culmination of creativity erupting from KENZO’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection.” [KENZO, YOUTUBE OFFICIAL]

Street Style photographer Nabile Quenum passed away at 32
Street style photographer Nabile Quenum passed away at 32 in Paris, confirmed his family. He ran the fashion blog “J’ai Perfu Ma Veste.” Quenum was a fixture amongst street style photography and was involved in the #NoFreePhotos initiative. WWD reports a private memorial service will be held on Jan. 13th. [WWD]

Cindy Crawford Returns to Pepsi
After a disastrous 2017 rollout, Pepsi aligns with its supermodel roots with the return of Cindy Crawford. The 90s legend teams up with son and model protege, Presley Gerber, for the brand’s Super Bowl commercial and 26 years after her historic 1992 ad. See the commercial in its entirety when it premiers February 4th during the big game. [AP NEWS]

Versace Statement on American Crime Story
Iconic Italian brand Versace cut ties this week from the portrayal of its design patriarch, Gianni Versace, on FX’s American Crime Story. In a press release the estate claims, “This TV series should only be considered as a work of fiction,” signaling a break off from the series’ assertion that Gianni was HIV positive at the time of his untimely death and pursued treatment for the disease. The limited series, featuring the likes of Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, and Ricky Martin was defended by director Ryan Murphy who based the series off of former Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth’s book “Vulgar Favors.” [HARPER’S BAZAAR]

H&M Sweatshirt Controversy
In a bizarre turn of events for a global retailer, H&M inexplicably released on their e-commerce platform a product photo featuring a black boy in a green hoodie with “coolest monkey in the jungle” on the front. The viral image naturally sparked outrage about its racist undertones and the Swedish company issued out an apologetic statement and retraction of the item from its stores. (WASHINGTON POST)

Dapper Dan Opens His Gucci-backed Atelier in Harlem
After a 2017 controversy that rehashed the debate on copying culture in fashion, Gucci has made amends with New York design legend, Dapper Dan, and backed his made-for-measure enterprise. The Italian company is the first to open a by appointment store in Harlem and will also carry limited edition clothing and accessories available for purchase. [TEEN VOGUE]

Model Harry Uzoka Dies
The model community mourns the lost of Harry Uzoka who was stabbed to death in West London. On January 11th, the 25-year-old suffered from a knife wound to the chest after what is being reported as a “robbery gone wrong”. Our thoughts and prayers go his family, friends, and many colleagues in the industry. [OKAY AFRICA]

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