Steve Mackey Passes Away at 56
Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, has passed away at age 56. According to an Instagram post by his wife, Katie Grand, the musician had been hospitalized for the past three months due to an undisclosed illness. Grand expressed her shock and devastation at having to say goodbye “to her brilliant and beautiful husband, who had fought with all his strength and determination during his hospitalization.” In her heartfelt post, she further shared that Mackey was the most talented man she had ever known, excelling in various creative disciplines such as music, production, photography, and filmmaking. Stating that he was adored by everyone whose paths he crossed, Grand extended her heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Mackey, adding that he would be missed beyond words. Born in Sheffield in 1966, Mackey joined Pulp in 1989, they produced hit albums like His ‘N’ Hers and Different Class. “Following a break in the band, Mackey co-wrote and produced songs for several artists, such as MIA (Galang, Sunshowers), Florence + The Machine (Kiss With A Fist), and Arcade Fire (Everything Now). He also photographed and directed campaigns for Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and Armani.” Mackey married stylist and founder of The Perfect Magazine, Katie Grand, in 2009, and they have a son named Marley. Grand and Marley are the survivors of Mackey’s passing. [BBC]
Bella Hadid Is Charlotte Tilbury’s Newest Ambassador
Bella Hadid joins Kate Moss and Jourdan Dunn as Charlotte Tilbury’s latest brand ambassador. According to the brand, “The partnership will entail “stand-out product and digital beauty innovations, iconic campaigns, original content creation and disruptive global moments in the brand’s 10th anniversary year.” When speaking on the new role, Hadid said, “I have admired Charlotte for years; she is a true creative force, and we both share a passion for empowering confidence and creating a meaningful beauty community.” [WWD]
Puma X Rihanna Collab is Loading
Puma has had a great start to the week with a record income for 2022, generating 8.46 billion euros in currency-adjusted terms, an increase of 18.9 percent in sales. Excitingly, the German sportswear brand has teased that one of its popular collaborations is coming back. The brand recently posted an all-black image on its Instagram account with the message “she’s back.” The word “Fenty” appeared at the bottom of the post, hinting that beauty mogul Rihanna would soon be working with the brand once again. Rihanna previously served as a creative director for a Puma womenswear line in 2014, which also included a collaboration under her name, Fenty x Puma. In the past, Puma has collaborated with U.S. basketball players, such as LaMelo Ball and Breanna Stewart, who have signature shoes with the company.[WWD]
The CFDA X Versace LGBTQ+ Youth Program is in the Works
The CFDA and Versace have come together to launch a program that is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and education. The initiative will begin with a Master Class event at the Los Angeles LGBT Center on March 6th. Donatella Versace will speak in a fireside chat with the Center’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Phillip Picardi. A handful of students will also have the opportunity to meet with certain LA CFDA Members and designers to discuss career opportunities in the fashion industry. But that’s not all! The CFDA and Versace will also partner on a scholarship for LGBTQ+ fashion design students that will launch later this year. Regarding the initiative, Donatella Versace expressed her excitement and support for the scholarship: “I have always believed in the power of young creatives. At Versace, we have had some of the most amazing young talent join us, and we have learned so much from them. I am thrilled that we can support a scholarship with the CFDA for an LGBTQ+ student and cannot wait to see their creative energy come to fruition with our encouragement.” [CFDA]
Liya Kebede Opens Up a Bookstore
It’s no secret that supermodel Liya Kebede loves a good book, so it was only right that Kebede opened up her first bookstore, “Liyabrairie,” during Paris Fashion Week. Known for her love of literature, Kebede’s bookstore offers a carefully curated selection of books for all tastes. In addition to books, Liyabrairie also sells stylish bookbags in various colors, as well as coffee. The space has been designed by Alexandre de Betak, a renowned art director and producer in the fashion industry. You can also purchase the bookbags online here.
Models.com Interviews Feranmi Ajetomobi
Models.com interviews Nigerian Hot list-er Feranmi Ajetomobi about his scouting story and passion for real estate and music. Find the interview here.
And don’t forget some of this week’s Models.com Fashion Week coverage from MFW & PFW, including a behind-the-scene glimpse backstage at The Row, Dries Van Noten, Paco Rabanne, Courrèges, Bottega Veneta, and Ferragamo, with Sophia Lisboa, Sun Mizrahi, Heather Diamond Strongarm, and Divine Mugisha.
