Ivan Bart Leaves IMG President Position
BoF reports that Ivan Bart, who has served for over ten years as IMG president, is leaving the position at the company. He will remain with IMG in an advisory capacity. Under Bart’s tenure, IMG championed the diverse expansion of modeling markets including the curve, disabled, and influencer markets. The veteran model agent turned executive started with IMG back in 1994, and the company’s wide range of diverse, successful talent had a dominating run during his tenure, representing the industry’s biggest names from Stephanie Seymour, Joan Smalls, Ashley Graham, Alek Wek, and the Hadid sisters. [BoF]
Jeremy Scott Exits Moschino
After a decade, Jeremy Scott, the creative director of Moschino, is stepping down from his role after ten years at the Italian fashion house. The Kansas City native was known for his pop art, playful, and consumer culture references in his designs and over-the-top show venues, like staging a show on the New York City subway at the MTA Transit Museum. In a statement, Scott said, “these past 10 years at Moschino have been a wonderful celebration of creativity and imagination. I am so proud of the legacy I am leaving behind. I would like to thank Massimo Ferretti for the honor of leading this iconic house. I would also like to thank all my fans around the world who celebrated me, my collections, and my vision, for without you, none of this would be possible.” During his tenure, Scott helped elevate the brand’s profile, making it a favorite among celebrities like Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and Katy Perry. [Vogue]
Moose Knuckles Taps Carlos Nazario As the New Global Artistic Director
Carlos Nazario has a new title to add to his belt as Canadian luxury outerwear brand Moose Knuckles has appointed Nazario as the new global artistic director. The fashion editor, stylist, and creative consultant has already worked with the brand as a stylist and consultant on campaigns and has previously worked with multiple luxury brands and publications like Gucci, Swarovski, and British Vogue. Nazario is also the global fashion director at i-D and will remain in that role while being responsible for overseeing Moose Knuckles’s “collection design, image, content, brick-and-mortar presentation, and marketing/communications across all channels”. Moose Knuckles, known for its high-end parkas, wants to expand its offerings and elevate the brand. Stay tuned for Nazario’s vision for the brand in the upcoming months. [WWD]
The LVMH Prize Finalists
Luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH has announced nine finalists for its annual LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers after an initial semi-finalist of 22 designers. The nine finalists are Aaron Esh, Julie Pelipas of Better, Burc Akyol, Rachel Scott of Diotima, Raul Lopez of Luar, Luca Magliano of Magliano, Paolina Russo, Veronica Leoni of Quira, and Satoshi Kuwata of Setchu. The finalists were selected from a pool of over 2,400 total candidates and will receive mentorship from executives at LVMH and compete for a grand prize of €300,000 and a year of coaching from LVMH experts. The designers hail from Ukraine, France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Jamaica, and Canada. The prize winner will be announced on June 7th, 2023, at The 2023 LVMH Prize ceremony. The prestigious award has served as a platform for emerging designers to gain recognition and support from one of the world’s influential luxury conglomerates. Many previous winners and finalists have gone on to achieve great success in the industry, like Jacquemus, Grace Wales Bonner, and Shayne Oliver. [Vogue]
Designer Duo Serhat Işık and Benjamin A. Huseby Leave Trussardi
Designer duo Serhat Işık and Benjamin A. Huseby have exited the Italian fashion brand Trussardi after almost two years at the company. The news comes after former CEO Sebastian Suhl, and the entire board of directors left the organization earlier in March. At the moment, it seems like the brand is being restructured for a potential sale, according to WWD. The duo was able to ignite new energy into the brand with edgy modern designs being worn by celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Duo Serhat Işık and Benjamin A. Huseby will be fully focused on their own brand, GmbH. [WWD]
Vera Wang Received the National Medal of Arts From the Biden Administration
Fashion designer Vera Wang was recently honored at the White House for her contributions to the fashion industry. Wang was recognized by the Biden administration and received the National Medal of Arts, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture/arts and who inspire others. Wang, who is known for her bridal and evening wear designs, has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry for over 30 years. She has dressed numerous celebrities for red-carpet events and has become a household name for her elegant and sophisticated designs. Wang said, “Words cannot express my feelings upon receiving this incredible honor today and to be here at the White House with my two daughters, Cecilia and Josephine Becker.” This recognition from the White House is a testament to Wang’s impact on the fashion industry and her contributions to American culture. [CFDA]
Beyoncé and Adidas Have Ended Their Ivy Park Partnership
After three years, Beyoncé and Adidas have “mutually agreed” to end their partnership. The singer and entrepreneur launched her Ivy Park clothing line with Adidas in 2019, which was known for its inclusive sizing and unisex designs. While there has been no official reason given for the end of the partnership, some speculate that it could be due to Adidas’ recent struggles in the US market, especially after Adidas dropped rapper Kanye West’s Yeezy line last year after he made antisemitic comments. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ivy Park was meant to generate $63 million in sales this year despite an earlier projection of $335 million. A rep of the global star told the Hollywood Reporter, “Beyoncé is excitedly looking to reclaim her brand, chart her own path and maintain creative freedom.” [Hollywood Reporter]
W Magazine Launches Chinese Edition and Taps Kevin Tekinel and Charles Levai As Creative Directors at Large for US Edition
W Magazine is launching a Chinese edition in partnership with MC Style Media, the publisher of Marie Claire China. The publication will be led by chief executive Alex Sun, and editor-in-chief Mix Wei, W China’s first print edition will be published in April and then will follow a bi-monthly publishing schedule. It will also debut digital content on social platforms WeChat, Xiaohongshu (RED), Weibo, Douyin, and Instagram. On another note, the W Magazine US edition has appointed Kevin Tekinel and Charles Levai, the founders of Paris-based branding agency, Maybe, as creative directors-at-large who will be working alongside EIC, Sara Moonves. [BoF]
The Fashion Trust Award Winners
The Fashion Trust Awards took place on Tuesday night in LA. The award provides financial support and business mentoring to emerging designers. The Ready To Wear Award designer finalists included, Agbobly, Aisling Camps, AKNVAS, Elena Velez, and Puppets & Puppets, who were selected out of a group of 15 designers. The advisory board members who selected the nominees include Mike Amiri, Carmen Busquets, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Fernando Garcia, Amy Griffin, Bethann Hardison, Kate Hudson, Simon Huck, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Miranda Kerr, Jerry Lorenzo, Alastair McKimm, Jennifer Meyer, Sara Moonves, Arianne Phillips, Kate Young, and Law Roach. L’Enchanteur won the award for Jewelry, Aisling Camps won the St. John Ready to Wear award, Agbobly won the Inclusivity Award, Papa Oppong was the Graduate Winner, and Elena Velez won the Sustainability Award, and Puppets & Puppets took home the Creativity Award.
Models.com Interviews Ashley Graham and Jawara
Models.com launched our new website design with a new direction that will be more interview focused on the leading creatives of the day. To roll out the launch, Models.com interviewed supermodel Ashley Graham, shot by Kloss Films, where she transports us to Milan during fashion week to give audiences a glimpse of a day in her life dashing from fittings to the runway to the front row. Models.com also connected with visionary hairstylist Jawara about how his family connections led him to fall in love with hair, his long list of talented collaborators and peers, grounding himself before a hectic runway season, and the universal language of hair.
Watch the interviews below:
For Supermodel Ashley Graham, Her Body Isn’t A Trend
Hairstylist Jawara On The Universal Language Of Hair
Models.com Interviews Adrienne Raquel
Models.com spoke to photographer Adrienne Raquel about her masterful blend of nostalgia and contemporary aesthetics and her journey working in the fashion and entertainment industry and shooting the hottest names in Hollywood and top models like Adut Akech, Gigi Hadid, and Precious Lee. Check out the interview here.
Uncovering the Activism of These Industry Model Game-Changers
Models are using their platforms to speak out about social and political issues, advocating for causes they’re passionate about. From body positivity to racial justice, #LGBTQ+ rights to criminal justice reform, there’s no limit to inspiring change. Meet a few of the many incredible models who are using their influence to reshape the industry and bring attention to global issues here.
And don’t forget some of this week’s Models.com Ranking additions and catching up with Top Newcomers Agel Akol, Angelina Kendall, and Denyse Tumukunde about their first runway season.
