Photographer Giovanni Gastel Passes Away at 65, From COVID-19
Italian photographer Giovanni Gastel passed away on March 13th due to COVID-19 complications. The renowned photographer started out shooting ad campaigns in the 80s/90s for Versace, Dior, and Ferragamo and in recent years, the multifaceted artist and poet was known for his portrait photography with subjects such as Barack Obama, Ferruccio Ferragamo, Franca Sozzani, and other influential figures. Donatella Versace, supermodel Joan Smalls and Piero Piazzi, president of Women Management Milan were amongst the many mourning the sudden loss of Gastel. [WWD]
Alexi McCammond Exits Teen Vogue
Teen Vogue’s newly appointed editor-in-chief Alexi McCammond has quit following objection from both the public and Teen Vogue staffers after anti-Asian tweets she made while a college student from 2011 resurfaced. Due to begin the role on March 24th, Alexi instead released a statement on Twitter, reading: “My past tweets have overshadowed the work I’ve done to highlight the people and issues that I care about — issues that Teen Vogue has worked tirelessly to share with the world — and so Conde Nast and I have decided to part ways.” There is no word yet as to who will replace her. [BoF]
Leyna Bloom Is The First Trans Woman of Color in Sports Illustrated
Leyna Bloom makes waves in a monumental moment for Sports Illustrated as the first Black and Asian Trans Woman to be featured in the edition. Bloom follows the lead of Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio who was the first Trans woman in Sports Illustrated in July of last year. The new SI model shared her achievement saying, “This moment is bigger than my wildest infinite dreams. In this moment, I am a representation of all the communities I grew from, and all the communities I’m planting seeds in.” The issue is set to hit stands in July.
Leslie Wexner Leaves Victoria’s Secret
Leslie H. Wexner is finally leaving L Brands, the parent company he founded that owns Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works. Springing from both internal and external pressure due to alleged sexual harassment at Victoria’s Secret and Wexner’s relationship with registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the former chief executive officer and chairman leaves the board in May after nearly six decades of leadership. WWD reports that in his place on the board, L Brands has appointed two women – Francis Hondal, president of loyalty and engagement at Mastercard, and Danielle Lee, chief fan officer for the National Basketball Association, bringing the total to 10 directors.
British Couturier Ralph & Russo Files for Bankruptcy
UK-based Ralph & Russo has been placed into administration, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and England’s three subsequent lockdowns for the failure of the business. The brand had recently delayed payments to staff and did not release a spring 2021 couture collection. In 2019, the company had received a $50 million investment from La Perla which was used to diversify their retail offerings. They were also involved in a law dispute concerning a 17 million pound loan from investment company Candy Ventures. Ralph & Russo will continue to trade as administrators attempt to find a buyer for the business. [WWD]
Meet F/W 2021’s Top Newcomers
Fashion weeks have become ever more confusing during the pandemic. With so few physical presentations and lookbooks released in lieu of fashion shows, how can you tell which new faces triumphed this season? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—our annual Top Newcomers list has just been released, with contributions from industry experts including stylist Katie Grand, Carlos Nazario of i-D Magazine, Dazed’s newly appointed fashion editor Imruh Asha, and Self Service co-founder Suzanne Koller.
