Louis Vuitton Is Heading to Seoul
Louis Vuitton‘s Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière, will showcase his first pre-fall runway show for the luxury brand on April 29th in Seoul, South Korea. The runway will be set on Jamsugyo Bridge, one of Seoul’s most beloved and scenic elements, overlooking the Hangang River, providing a stunning backdrop. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director of the popular TV series “Squid Game,” is working as a creative adviser for the show’s scenography. This will be the first fashion show ever held on the bridge and will establish a partnership between luxury conglomerates and local and national governments to promote South Korea and highlight the Hangang River. Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s newest Chairman and CEO, renowned for his extravagant events during his previous tenure at Christian Dior, will be spearheading the runway show in Seoul. The luxury brand has also partnered with Seoul Metropolitan City and the Korea Tourism Organization to promote the bridge and tourism. [WWD]
Lyst Index Announces the Hottest Brands
The latest Lyst Index, a quarterly report that ranks fashion’s hottest brands and products, has revealed that Prada and Miu Miu made it to the list of the top 10 hottest fashion brands in the first quarter of 2023. Prada came in at number 1, while Miu Miu landed at number 2. The popularity of both brands was attributed to their new collections, successful collaborations, and strong social media presence. The report also noted that sustainability and inclusivity were among the key factors driving consumer demand and shaping the fashion industry’s future. Versace saw the most significant jump in ranking this quarter, landing in eighth place, thanks to the brand’s fall 2023 show in Los Angeles on Oscars weekend and red-carpet appearances from Lady Gaga, Ariana DeBose, and Kerry Condon. In contrast, Gucci‘s ranking dropped to the lowest in its history, at ninth place. Balenciaga is still recovering from multiple controversies last year and landed in 18th place in the ranking. As for the hottest products, Uniqlo‘s shoulder bag, which retails for under $20 and is the least expensive product to ever be featured in the Lyst Index, was the most sought-after product. The style went viral on TikTok, with over 59 million views on the platform. Rick Owens‘ Kriester sunglasses were the second most in-demand product, while Skims’ sculpt bodysuit was the third most in-demand product of the quarter. [WWD]
In the Blk Partners With Balmain
In 2020, fashion designer Victor Glemaud founded IN THE BLK (ITB), a collective that brings together influential Black fashion creatives to shape the industry’s future by promoting the growth of Black-owned fashion brands. The organizations assists designers with professional development, job creation, and increasing profits. Over 30 established and emerging designers and other industry creatives are members of ITB. ITB announced a partnership with Balmain this week, who will support ITB through a mentorship program. The first recipient of this program is Dayanne Danier, the founder of women’s accessories brand Bien Abyé, which female artisans make in Haiti. “I love the concept of Black creatives convening because I do believe that we are stronger together,” said Glemaud. Over the first two years, ITB has helped six emerging designers, like House of Aama and Khiry, to showcase their work at fashion week with the support of sponsors such as Instagram and IMG. The partnership with Balmain will enable ITB to expand its community and access the necessary resources to broaden its scope. [Vogue]
LVMH Set To Name a New Head of Its Fashion Group Division
Luxury conglomerate LVMH is set to name a new head of its Fashion Group division as Sidney Toledano moves into another position within the French group. LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault thanked Toledano for his almost three-decade tenure at LVMH during the annual general meeting of shareholders. Arnault did not confirm who would succeed Toledano, but there have been speculations that Michael Burke, another veteran LVMH executive, will take over. LVMH has declined to comment on the matter. [WWD]
Louis Vuitton Taps Zendaya
Louis Vuitton has announced that Golden Globe-winning actor Zendaya is joining the brand as a global ambassador. Known for her stunning red-carpet appearances, Zendaya has collaborated with her longtime stylist Law Roach to create many unforgettable fashion moments. “I just enjoy clothes and playing with them and creating new characters,” Zendaya said of her approach to red-carpet dressing. “That’s what I find fun about fashion—the transformative quality, its ability to be like storytelling.” To launch the announcement, Zendaya was featured in a campaign photographed in Monaco by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, showcasing the Capucines handbag styled by Law Roach. [Vogue]
Makeup Artist Yadim On The Beauty Of Starting Over
Models.com spoke to makeup artist Yadim about his career legacy, his creative process, and his inspiring journey of sober living and recovery. Check out the interview here.
Mugler Muse Connie Fleming Reflects On Her Life And Career
Models.com dove deeper with contributor Greg Emmanuel into Connie Fleming’s career as an illustrator, walking historic runway shows and her best takeaways from posing with top photographers for Area and Mugler. Check out the interview here.
Model of the Week: Madelyn & Margo Whitley Are All About the Runway
Models.com spoke to Madelyn & Margo Whitley about their scouting stories, vintage stores, and the need for safety and protection for trans people and trans kids. Find the interview here.
The Mercer Hotel: An Iconic Industry Haven
Models.com spoke to Michel Heredia, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Mercer Hotel, about the hotel’s history, providing a personalized touch that keeps clients returning and how they help protect endangered bees. Check out the interview here.
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 Do you know how many seasons there are in a fashion calendar? Tell us in the comments! ✨😊 #SpeakersCorner #nyc #fashionstudents
@modelsdot Who do you think are this generation’s supermodels? ✨👀 Let us know in the comments. #SpeakersCorner #modelsdot #nyc
@modelsdot Have you noticed any changes in the modeling industry? Let us know in the comments… 👀✨ #SpeakersCorner #nyc #streetinterviews
@modelsdot How many luxury fashion brands can you name in under 30 seconds? ✨👀#SpeakersCorner #nyc #streetinterviews
@modelsdot What a makes a supermodel in your opinion? ✨👀 SpeakersCorner nyc streetinterviews
@modelsdot Who’s a supermodel from your generation? Tell us in the comments. #SpeakersCorner #nyc #streetinterviews
