Dame Mary Quant Passes at Age 93
Dame Mary Quant, who rose to fame in the 1960s with her innovative designs and popularizing the miniskirt, passed away at the age of 93 on Thursday. Quant empowered women to express themselves through their clothing in a liberated manner, making rainbow tights, HotPants, and flat shoes popular. A British native, Quant opened her first boutique store, Bazaar, on Kings Road and offered her own designs alongside jewelry made by her friends from university. Frequent visitors to the store included The Rolling Stones and Audrey Hepburn. In 1958, inspired by the Mini car, Quant named her short skirts miniskirts. Quant not only worked in the fashion industry but also expanded into cosmetics and launched her cosmetics line, Mary Quant Cosmetics, which became highly sought-after, especially in Japan, and still operates today. In 2000, she resigned as a director of Mary Quant Ltd. due to a takeover by a group of private Japanese investors. After a profitable wholesale partnership with JCPenney, Quant eventually closed down her three Bazaar retail stores. She also wrote three books: “Colour,” “Quant on Make-up,” and “Classic Make-up & Beauty Book.” In 2015, she was recognized as a dame by Queen Elizabeth II. Quant’s family described her as “one of the most internationally recognized fashion designers of the 20th century, and an outstanding innovator of the Swinging ’60s.” [WWD]
Bruno Sialelli Exits Lanvin
Bruno Sialelli, creative director of Lanvin, is exiting the brand after four years in the role. The French house is taking on a similar take as AZ Factory and Jean Paul Gaultier by creating Lanvin Lab and “inviting proven and rising international talents for creative partnerships.” The first guest talent will be unveiled in the coming weeks; the brand is also bringing together a creative team and “industrial support” for leather goods and accessories, which accounts for “more than half of the brand’s global business and are seen as a key driver for future growth.” The two groups will collaborate together to create ready-to-wear collections for the brand during Paris Fashion Week. Sialelli said, “I am deeply proud of what we have achieved at Lanvin over the past four years and wish to thank Lanvin and my team who through their unique talents and dedication, have accompanied me in this great adventure.” [WWD]
Eli Russell Linnetz of ERL Is Pitti Uomo’s Next Guest Designer
Streetwear brand ERL, founded by Eli Russell Linnetz, has been announced as the guest designer for the upcoming Pitti Uomo trade show in Florence, Italy. The California-based label, known for its irreverent designs and collaborations with high-profile celebrities such as A$AP Rocky, who wore their designs at the Met Gala, and for collaborating with Kim Jones, will showcase its first-ever runway show on June 14th. Linnetz said, “It’s such an opportunity, being at the center of the Renaissance and seeking to bring something new by just being authentic.” ERL will also debut eyewear and footwear at Pitti, which will be available for sale on the brand’s upcoming revamped e-commerce website. [Vogue]
Saint Laurent Creates a Movie Production Division
Saint Laurent has announced the addition of a movie production division to its brand, which will debut at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival with two short films: “Strange Way of Life” by Pedro Almodóvar and another film that is yet to be announced. These movies will be sold at film festivals to distributors such as cinemas, streaming platforms, and broadcast networks. Additionally, the brand will work with filmmakers David Cronenberg and Paolo Sorrentino. Anthony Vaccarello said, “these directors never fail to open my mind and, in a way, the singular, radical vision they bring to cinema has made me the person I am today.” This collaboration was hinted at in the Saint Laurent spring men’s campaign, which featured Cronenberg and Almodóvar alongside directors Jim Jarmusch and Abel Ferrera. Saint Laurent continues to position itself at the forefront of culture. [WWD]
French Pension Protestors Broke Into LVMH Headquarters
French luxury conglomerate LVMH has found itself in the midst of controversy as protests erupted in Paris over proposed pension reforms as protesters broke into the headquarters of luxury giant LVMH, the same day that shares in the company increased to a record high. The protests have been ongoing for several days, and protesters have targeted LVMH due to its perceived association with President Emmanuel Macron, who has been the target of widespread criticism over the proposed reforms. While the company has not commented on the protests, the disruption has raised concerns about the impact on the luxury industry in France, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy. Fabien Villedieu, a union leader, told CNN affiliate BFMTV outside the LVMH building, “If Macron wants to find money to finance the pension system, he should come here to find it.” [CNN]
The Met Gala Red Carpet Hosts Are Announced
The First Monday in May Is upon us, and for the third year in a row, Vogue will be hosting the official Met Gala red carpet live stream on Monday, May 1st. The live stream will be hosted by La La Anthony, Derek Blasberg, Chloe Fineman, and Emma Chamberlain will return as a correspondent. The 2023 Met Gala live stream will begin at 6 p.m. EST, and the Karl Lagerfeld-themed 2023 Met Gala’s official co-chairs are Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and Anna Wintour. [Vogue]
Lancôme Appoints Sheika Daley As Global Makeup Artist
Makeup artist Sheika Daley was announced as Lancôme’s Global Makeup Artist. Daley is the 5th person to hold this title at the iconic French beauty house and “will bring her unique talent built on deep intuition for color, texture and effect to the brand.” Sheika has created red carpet looks for Zendaya, Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, and Jodie Turner-Smith, and has worked with distinguished photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Jackie Nickerson. Sheika Daley, Lancôme’s International Makeup Artist, said, “Lancôme makeup to me is powerful, positive & uplifting.”
Valentin Herfray Brings To Life His Birdseye View
Models.com spoke to Valentin Herfray about how he got his start, a glimpse into his world and his creative process, and how important technology has been for him to redefine the boundaries of photography. Check out the interview here.
Makeup Artist Georgi Sandev On His Fateful Career Switch To Beauty
Models.com spoke to Georgi Sandev about his approach to makeup and his creative process, the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries in his work, and how he’s quickly gained a reputation as one of the most creative and innovative makeup artists in the industry. Check out the interview here.
With Resilience, Top 50 Model Mamour Majeng Overcame Adversity
Models.com caught up with Balmain muse and Top 50 model Mamour Majeng about his scouting story, how he overcame adversities, and highlights from his modeling career thus far. Check out the interview here.
Model of the Week: LJ Chawech is the Celine Rookie on the Rise
Models.com spoke to LJ Chawech about making friendships at the Celine Summer 2022 “Cosmic Cruiser”, his passions, and the changes he’d like to see in the world. Check out the interview here.
Model Simone Nobili Passes Away at 31
Model Simone Nobili passed away tragically at the young age of 31. Nobili was a former Models.com Top 50 model and rose to fame after making his debut at the Alexander McQueen Men F/W 11 Show. He went on to become a highly sought-after model, securing campaigns with prestigious brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Moschino. Fabio Mancini, a fellow model, remembers Nobili as a discreet and polite individual. He further praised him, saying, “More than 10 years ago, Simone and I managed to take our beloved Italy on the catwalks around the world.”
And don’t forget some of this week’s Speakers Corner, where we interview people on the streets of NYC to get their hot takes on the fashion industry.
@modelsdot What’s your opinion on nepotism? Let us know in the comments 👀✨ #SpeakersCorner #modelsdot #nyc #streetinterviews
@modelsdot How many luxury fashion brands can you name in under 30 seconds? Tell us in the comments…👀✨ #SpeakersCorner #modelsdot #nyc
@modelsdot A surprising pick as this generation’s supermodel! Tell us what you think in the comments….👀✨ #FIT #SpeakersCorner #nyc
@modelsdot How many luxury fashion brands can you name in under 30 seconds? 👀 let us know in the comments. #SpeakersCorner #streetinterviews
