Thebe Magugu x Dior Charity Collab
South African designer and LVMH ‘19 prize winner Thebe Magugu collaborates with Dior in aid of the French luxury house’s ambassador Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project, an NGO that supports South African youth. Magugu had a full circle moment: as a fashion student in Johannesburg, he was tasked to depict Christian Dior’s New Look. Fast forward years later, Magugu and Maria Grazia Chiuri collaborated to make a limited-edition capsule collection available on October 27 at Dior’s flagship boutiques in Paris, France, New York, and Los Angeles. Chiuri said, “I thought it was natural to think of a project which also gave visibility to this young generation of designers. It felt like a more meaningful way to envision our collaboration.” Dior has also donated to the CTAOP. [WWD]
Balenciaga Cuts Ties With Ye
Balenciaga has officially cut ties with Ye, also known as Kanye West. In the past few weeks, Ye has made extremely controversial, offensive, and anti-Semitic statements leading Balenciaga’s parent company, Kering, to terminate the relationship. An official statement said, “Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist.” Ye opened the brand’s S/S 23 show, and images have now been taken off their website and Vogue Runway. Last month, Gap ended its tulmultuous partnership with Ye and Adidas stated that its relationship with the Yeezy brand is “under review.” [WWD]
Adesuwa Aighewi Launches Legacy
Model Adesuwa Aighewi launched her Legacy project on October 20th. “An online fair-trade marketplace that connects consumers with artisans, artists, and designers, and prioritizes ethical measures and practices.” To debut her new enterprise, Aighewi, with a Nigerian, Thai, and Chinese background, launched a made-to-order jewelry line commemorating her multifaceted culture. Working with silversmiths in Thailand, Adesuwa created pieces that symbolize the Kingdom of Benin. The launch day was very specific and essential to the model activist as October 20th marks the memorial of the Lekki toll gate Lagos shooting in 2020 when the Nigerian military shot unarmed civilians who were in protest against police brutality in Nigeria. You can find out more about Legacy and shop the jewelry here. [Vogue]
Rihanna Selects Adam Selman As Executive Design Director at Savage X Fenty Sport
Rihanna is expanding the variety of what Savage x Fenty offers with a new activewear line called Savage X Fenty Sport. The mogul hired Adam Selman as the executive design director of the Lounge and Sports categories and said, “We wanted to push the boundaries with how we define sport and sportswear, and there is no one I’d rather do that with than Adam.” The new line includes low and medium-impact bras, high-waisted leggings, jumpsuits, and a bodysuit that drops on Nov. 9 with early access for Xtra VIP members on Nov. 1. The campaign stars brand ambassadors Precious Lee, Avani Gregg, ballerina Elsa Stallings, martial artist Nelita Villezon, Joanna Pauline and roller skater Ayasha.[Vogue]
Katie Grand Launches New Book, “Tears and Tearsheets”
Stylist, founder of The Perfect Magazine, and Models.com’s Top Newcomer contributor Katie Grand released a new book, “Tears and Tearsheets,” which takes readers through 288 pages of Grand’s expansive career. The cover features Bella Hadid shot by Harley Weir, with each editorial styled by Grand covering her tenures at Pop, Love, Dazed, The Face, and Another Magazine. The photographers in the book include Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Inez & Vinoodh, Zhong Lin, Rafael Pavarotti, Mario Sorrenti, and more. You can order the book here. [W Magazine]
Models.com Interviews Joan Kadiri for Model of the Week
Models.com interviews Nigerian model Joan Kadiri about her scouting story, traveling the world, and closing the Off-White S/S 2023 show. Check out the interview and the exclusive images here.
And don’t forget some of this week’s Models.com runway coverage:
