Rhuigi Villaseñor Exits Bally
After less than two years, Rhuigi Villaseñor is stepping down as the creative director of Bally. According to WWD, the decision was mutually agreed upon. While awaiting the announcement of a new creative organization, Bally’s in-house design team will continue to craft new pieces for the brand. Villaseñor revitalized the brand by showcasing a show in September 2022 in Milan, featuring modern and bold looks. The industry was taken by surprise when the news broke. Subsequently, Villaseñor tweeted, “It is essential for the future and the next generation that I’m paving the way for to have a clear roadmap that leads them to achieve substantial enterprise value. Always prioritize what you own and work towards building the world you envision. Never compromise your values or culture for anything.”[WWD]
Chanel Taps Timothée Chalamet as a Brand Ambassador
Chanel has tapped actor Timothée Chalamet as the ambassador for its Bleu De Chanel fragrance, marking Chalamet’s first fashion or beauty partnership. The announcement will be unveiled with a campaign featuring the actor, photographed by Mario Sorrenti, set to premiere in June. Additionally, in the coming fall, Chalamet will participate in a short film centered around the fragrance directed by Martin Scorsese. Chalamet follows in the footsteps of the late French actor Gaspard Ulliel, who tragically passed away in a skiing accident in January 2022, as the former ambassador of Bleu De Chanel. [Vogue]
2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Announced
The annual Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue Fashion Fund has returned to its original format and has selected ten finalists to compete for this year’s grand prize of $300,000, with two runner-ups winning $100,000 each, and mentorship from key members of the fashion industry. In 2021 and 2022, the CVFF gave all ten finalists funding and access to mentorship in response to difficulties brought on by the Covid-19 crisis. This year’s ten finalists are: Colin LoCascio; Everard Best and Téla D’Amore of Who Decides War; Kozaburu Akasaka of Kozaburu; Melitta Baumeister; Kim Shui; Fletcher Kasell and Tanner Richie of Tanner Fletcher; Henry Zankov of Zankov; Angelo Fabricio Urrutía of 4SDesign; Sami Miró Vintage, and Rachel Scott of Diotima. Selected by a jury that includes Anna Wintour, CFDA chairman Thom Browne, Steven Kolb, Mark Holgate and Chioma Nnadi of Vogue, Brother Vellies designer and Fifteen Percent Pledge founder Aurora James, Saks Fifth Avenue fashion director Roopal Patel, Instagram Director of Fashion Partnerships Eva Chen, and model and activist Paloma Elsesser, and more, the competition continues to add on to the growing pool of American designers. “It’s so important that the world sees this new generation of American designers,” said Browne. “The talent in the United States is unparalleled in regards to creativity and diversity and, moreover, truly American.”
Lagos Space Programme Wins the 2023 Woolmark Prize
In Paris, the Woolmark Company announced this week that Nigerian brand, Lagos Space Programme won the 2023 International Woolmark Prize and Danish knitwear brand, A. ROEGE HOVE won the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation. The competition which included the two brands and BLUEMARBLE, Marco Rambaldi, MAXXI J, Paolina Russo, Rhuigi Villaseñor’s Rhude and Robyn Lynch, promotes Australia merino wool and the winners each receive AU$200,000 and AU$100,000, respectively, as well as ongoing support from the industry and Woolmark Prize retail partners. At Petit Le Palais, an expert panel of judges including Carine Roitfeld, Caroline de Maigret, Francesco Risso, Pieter Mulier, Salehe Bembury, Shaway Yeh, Sinéad Burke, Tim Blanks, Tyler Mitchell, and more selected the winner Lagos Space Programme for its nonbinary design created by Adeju Thompson. A. ROEGE HOVE’s conceptual knitwear pieces, created by Amalie Røge Hove, impressed judges with its freshness and the attention paid to the supply chain and manufacturing process. Amsterdam-based textile innovation studio BYBORRE is also celebrating after being recognized as the Supply Chain Award recipient for pushing the limits of technical performance knitwear textiles. [PRESS RELEASE]
Valentino Will Present a Menswear Collection in June
Valentino is shifting away from its coed format and presenting an exclusive menswear collection in Milan. Titled “The Narratives,” this highly anticipated show will mark the commencement of Milan Fashion Week and is set to take place on June 16 at 2 pm CET at the Università degli Studi di Milano Statale. By doing so, Valentino is going back to its roots, as founder Valentino Garavani originally unveiled his inaugural menswear show in Milan in January 1985. Additionally, fashion enthusiasts worldwide can tune in to the live stream of the show on Valentino.com and the brand’s various social media channels. [WWD]
Beyoncé Teases Hair Care Brand
Queen Bey, aka Beyoncé, has thrilled fans with a glimpse into her upcoming hair-care line right in the middle of her Renaissance World Tour. In a carousel post, the artist fondly recalled her early days, mentioning her first job as a hair sweeper in her mother’s salon. It was within those very salon chairs that Destiny’s Child began their journey, entertaining clients. Beyoncé stated, “Having learned so much throughout my personal hair journey, I have always dreamed of carrying on my mother’s legacy. I am eagerly anticipating the moment when you can all experience what I have been diligently creating.” [Vogue]
Margherita Missoni Launches Maccapani
Margherita Missoni, the granddaughter of the founders of the Missoni house, is embarking on a new venture with her brand Maccapani. With a focus on sleek and contemporary Italian jersey fabrications, Maccapani will introduce two collections annually. The inaugural collection is slated to launch during Milan’s menswear week in June, just a day before the e-commerce platform goes live. Maccapani will be available for purchase both through direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels and select retail partners like Nordstrom and Browns. In September, the brand will unveil another drop in collaboration with Farfetch, where the renowned resale platform Vestiaire Collective will showcase items from the Maccapani collection, complemented by vintage accessories styled by the Maccapani team. When discussing her family’s support, the founder stated, “My mother and grandmother are thrilled with my endeavors.” [Vogue]
Angelina Jolie Launches Atelier Jolie
Angelina Jolie is embarking on a new venture with the launch of her fashion company, Atelier Jolie. The company’s unique business model involves consumers taking on the role of designers, collaborating with skilled tailors, pattern makers, and artisans to craft one-of-a-kind fashion statements. The official launch is planned for the upcoming fall season, accompanied by an inclusive online resource that facilitates the discovery of garment makers and the repurposing of curated dead stock and vintage materials to create unique pieces that embody personal creativity and purpose. On the new venture, Jolie said, “Fashion is an art I’ve had the opportunity to play with over the years. I’ve designed clothes and learned about shapes with many of the best tailors. Designers often sketch or approve designs, but it is the tailors who make the difference and who I truly love creating with. And yet, these makers rarely receive the credit and respect they deserve.” [WWD]
Cruz Valdez’s Work Seeks To Forge New Territory
Models.com spoke to Cruz Valdez about the importance of energy and working with her community in front of and behind the camera. Find the interview here and be sure to subscribe to Models.com’s YouTube.
Model of the Week: Zhichuan Hu Graduated Then Walked Louis Vuitton
Models.com spoke to Zhichuan Hu about his scouting story, playing badminton, and his dream of going skydiving and scuba-diving. Find 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 What was the last magazine you read? Tell us in the comments. 💥#SpeakersCorner #Modelsdotcom #nycstreetinterviews
@modelsdot Have you seen any changes in the magazines when it comes to models? ✨ 👀 #SpeakersCorner #modelsdot #fyp #nyc
