Dior Couturier Marc Bohan Passes at 97
Marc Bohan, a legendary French couturier behind Christian Dior‘s most iconic collections spanning three decades, passed away on September 6th at the age of 97 in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France. Remarkably, Bohan held the distinction of being the longest-serving designer at Dior, surpassing even the tenure of the brand’s founder, Christian Dior himself. Known for his reserved and introspective nature, Bohan once said, ” I make clothes for real women, not myself, not for mannequins and not for fashion magazines. I gladly leave the abstract creations to others.” His design philosophy resonated with a select, affluent clientele that included Princess Grace of Monaco, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Ann Getty, Bianca Jagger, and Estée Lauder, among many others. Bohan’s journey in the world of fashion began as an assistant at Robert Piguet and Edward Molyneaux. He then embarked on a significant phase, designing the couture collection for Madeline de Rauch. In addition, he worked discreetly with two New York design houses, Adele Simpson and Originala. His career trajectory continued to ascend as he assumed the role of designing the couture collection at Jean Patou from 1954 to 1958, followed by his tenure at Christian Dior London from 1958 to 1960. In his later years, Bohan chose to retire in the serene landscapes of Burgundy. His remarkable contributions to the world of fashion were celebrated through numerous accolades, including a 2009 exhibition at the Dior Museum in Granville, located on the Normandy coast, aptly titled “Dior: The Bohan Years.” This exhibition showcased a retrospective of Bohan’s nearly 30-year career at Dior, offering a glimpse into his influence on the fashion industry. [WWD]
The 2023 Fashion Awards Nominees
The 2023 Fashion Award Nominees are here. The categories include Model of the Year, British Menswear Designer, British Womenswear Designer, Designer of the Year, BFC Foundation Award, Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, Outstanding Achievement Award, and Leader of Change. Notably, the nominees for Designer of the Year and the BFC Foundation Award will be revealed in November. In the coming weeks, a panel consisting of 1,000 industry members will cast their votes to determine the winners. One new change this year is that the Model of the Year award will be open to public voting. The Model of the Year nominees include Alton Mason, Anok Yai, Kai-Isaiah Jamal, Liu Wen, Mona Tougaard, and Paloma Elsesser. In the category of British Menswear Designer of the Year, the nominees are Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner, Kiko Kostadinov for Kiko Kostadinov, Kim Jones for Dior Men, Martine Rose for Martine Rose, and Steven Stokey-Daley for S.S. Daley. The British Womenswear Designer of the Year category features Erdem Moralıoğlu for Erdem, Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo, Nensi Dojaka for Nensi Dojaka, Roksanda Ilinčić for Roksanda, and Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha. Recognizing emerging talent, the New Establishment Menswear category includes nominees such as Bianca Saunders, Corteiz, Labrum London, Nicholas Daley, and Saul Nash. Meanwhile, the New Establishment Womenswear category spotlights Chopova Lowena, Dilara Fındıkoğlu, KNWLS, Robert Wun, and Supriya Lele. [WWD]
François-Henri Pinault Acquires Majority Stake in CAA
In a notable development following reports from Bloomberg about Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault’s interest in acquiring Kering in June, the deal has been officially confirmed. Artémis, the investment company of the Pinault family, has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a prominent Hollywood agency. What makes this acquisition particularly intriguing is its timing, coinciding with an ongoing Hollywood actors’ strike. The strike has temporarily halted film production, providing celebrities with more flexibility to engage in fashion events and activities. Artémis boasts an extensive portfolio, including Kering, Christie’s, Pinault Collection, and Artémis Domaines, which comprises a collection of wine estates. Under the terms of the deal, the current co-chairmen of CAA—Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett—will retain their positions. Notably, Bryan Lourd is expected to take on the role of CEO once the transaction is finalized. Meanwhile, Jim Burtson, who led the CAA deal team, will continue to serve as President of CAA. [Vogue Business]
The Pirelli 2024 Calendar
The latest edition of the Pirelli Calendar, featuring Idris Elba, Angela Bassett, Naomi Campbell, Margot Lee Shetterly, Amanda Gorman, Jeymes Samuel, Tiwa Savage, King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Teyana Taylor, and Amoako Boafo, marks a historic milestone in its more than half-century history. This remarkable calendar was shot by a Black photographer for the first time. Prince Gyasi, a 28-year-old Ghanaian visual artist, holds the esteemed distinction of being the first African to receive this prestigious commission. The theme for the 50th edition of the calendar is “Timeless.” Before the 2024 edition, no Black photographer had ever been appointed for this commission. Gyasi made a deliberate choice to capture some of his subjects in Ghana, specifically in the capital, Accra, and Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. Gyasi explained his choice of the title, saying, “I named it ‘Timeless’ because most of these people defy time. They’ve been able to touch certain heights and open doors for people like me to be able to come in.” [CNN]
Stylist Kate Phelan Weaves Her Life’s Journey Through Fashion
Power player and stylist Kate Phelan gives Models.com a rare, intimate view into her remarkable journey, favorite muses, and collaborators, and letting the work speak for itself. Watch the interview here.
Model of the Week: Yan Li is the Face of Marni and Hugo Boss Campaigns
Models.com spoke to Yan Li about how he became a model, his plans to travel around the world, and his song of the summer. Check out the interview here.
Hot Lister Diane Chiu On Her Breakout Year
Models.com caught up with Diane Chiu on the cusp of the eagerly anticipated New York Fashion Week about her most memorable moments, her passion for cooking, and how she prepares for fashion month. Check out the interview here.
