André Leon Talley Dies
The sudden death of trailblazing and glamorous fashion editor André Leon Talley on Tuesday in White Plains, NY, at age 73, came as a complete shock to the industry. Talley broke barriers and went against the status quo by working up to being the first Black editor and creative director at Vogue, helped style former first lady Michelle Obama, and was a consultant and friend to Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, and Diane von Furstenberg. The fabulous 6 ft 6 editor wrote two memoirs “The Gospel According to André” and “The Chiffon Trenches” and was a champion for emerging talents that have become staples in the industry, like Rick Owens, among many other achievements. [NYT]
Actor Gaspard Ulliel Passes at 37
This week, another tragic passing of Saint Laurent actor and Bleu de Chanel fragrance ambassador Gaspard Ulliel after he succumbed to injuries sustained after a ski accident in The Alps. He was 37. While skiing Tuesday afternoon at La Rosière resort, Ulliel accidentally collided with another skier while not wearing a helmet, receiving significant head trauma. In a statement on the brand’s Instagram, Chanel said that for 12 years Ulliel was a “close friend of the House” and “will be sorely missed.” Ulliel is set to appear in the new Marvel series Moon Knight with Oscar Issac and Ethan Hawke. [WWD]
LVMH invests in Aimé Leon Dore
Queens, NYC-based brand Aimé Leon Dore has picked up a large following for its sporty-chic aesthetic and LVMH Ventures has noticed. The conglomerate announced its minority stake in the streetwear brand with support and guidance, while ALD will continue to work independently regarding operations in NYC. Founder Santis said, “ LVMH’s vast network of global leaders across the industry and its rich history in growing exceptional storied brands offers a truly unique partnership opportunity to fuel the next chapter of growth for Aimé Leon Dore.” Aimé Leon Dore has had many brand collabs, but after the collaboration with New Balance last year, founder Teddy Santis was named as creative director of New Balance. [BoF]
Italian designer Nino Cerruti Passes
Italian designer Nino Cerruti patriarch of Cerruti passed away this week after complications from a hip operation. He was 91. A favorite amongst the Hollywood set, the menswear entrepreneur revolutionized the menswear ready-to-wear market in Italy, going into the clothing business in the late 1950s after working in his family’s textile mill. In the 70s he created the first deconstructed jacket and designed clothes for films including Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Woman, and Basic Instinct. He also hired fashion designer and future icon Giorgio Armani, who worked for Cerruti for six years before going on to found his own company in the 70s. [Vogue]
Rhude’s Rhuigi Villaseñor is Bally’s new creative director
Founder and creative director of LA streetwear brand Rhude, Rhuigi Villaseñor was announced as the creative director of Swiss luxury brand Bally. Villaseñor succeeds Pablo Coppola who held the position for 5 years. Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto said, “I entrust Rhuigi, a talented visionary, to continue evolving the contemporary relevance of our brand and accelerate growth while preserving Bally’s core values, having acutely followed Rhuigi’s ascent I am excited by how his natural creativity and energetic spirit have made him one of the industry’s greatest idea generators and community builders.” [WWD]
Glossier’s Emily Weiss Pregnant
Emily Weiss, founder and CEO of Glossier Inc announced this week that she is expecting her first child in June with fiancee Will Gaybrick. The beauty mogul took to Instagram to announce her exciting news saying, “Ruby (Weiss’s dog) is going to be a big sister, very excited to say, I’m pregnant and due in June.”
