Matthew Williams Is Stepping Down as Creative Director of Givenchy
After a three-year tenure, Givenchy‘s creative director, Matthew M. Williams, is stepping down. His final collections for the brand, the men’s and women’s pre-fall 2024 collections, are set to be released in the coming days. The transition will take effect on January 1st, 2024, reflecting a trend towards shorter tenures at European heritage brands and a revamp at the luxury house owned by LVMH since 1998. Williams’ departure follows closely on the heels of his recent business partnership with Hong Kong entrepreneur Adrian Cheng, aimed at expanding the development of the designer’s signature brand, 1017 Alyx 9SM. Reflecting on his time at Givenchy, Williams stated, “Leading the creative direction of Givenchy was, as I said upon my arrival in 2020, the dream of a lifetime. Over these three years, I have strived to perpetuate Mr. Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy while bringing my own creative vision, and I would like to sincerely thank the studio, Renaud de Lesquen, and LVMH for this incredible opportunity.” [WWD]
Harper’s Bazaar Taps Carlos Nazario As The Style Director At Large
Harper’s Bazaar has appointed Carlos Nazario as the Style Director at Large. In this new capacity, Nazario will be responsible for styling most Bazaar covers, debuting with the February 2024 edition of the Hearst-owned magazine. Throughout his career, Nazario has consistently focused on models of color and has styled numerous celebrities, including Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Solange, and Rosalia. As a consultant, he has collaborated with fashion brands such as Marni, Burberry, Ambush, Nike, Fear of God, Michael Kors, and more. Despite his new role, Nazario will retain his position as the Global Fashion Director of i-D magazine, which was recently acquired by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss. Commenting on the appointment, Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr said, “I’ve long admired Carlos’ work. He speaks to now in his approach to creating fashion imagery, and the community he has built perfectly aligns with the modern and distinct vision we have for this iconic brand.” [WWD]
Vanessa Kingori To Exit Condé Nast and Head to Google
Condé Nast U.K. witnesses further shifts in the C-suite, with Vanessa Kingori, Chief Business Officer at Condé Nast Britain and Vogue European Business Adviser, making a move to Google. Joining Google in 2024 as the Managing Director of Tech, Media, and Telecoms, Kingori stated, “The lure of pivoting my career to apply my love of positive, transformational leadership at this key moment of change at Google feels urgent and is a dream realized. Having a seat at the table to drive a focus on deep relationships, learning, and partnership to create positive outcomes for all, in the era of AI, is a privilege. It’s an exciting new frontier.” Reporting to Debbie Weinstein, Vice President and Managing Director of Google U.K. and Ireland, Kingori will concentrate on assisting U.K.-based businesses in achieving growth through AI-powered technology and advertising solutions. With a tenure of 15 years at Condé Nast Britain, Kingori held the distinction of being the first Black publisher and the inaugural female business leader in the history of British Vogue at Condé Nast Britain. [BoF]
Zara x Guido Palau Launch Hair Products
Zara is expanding its beauty category by introducing a haircare line in collaboration with renowned hair stylist and creative director Guido Palau. Dubbed “Glitter in Gold,” Zara Hair launched on Nov. 30th, featuring a boxed set priced at $49.90, available both in stores and online. The set includes a gold gel, a gold glitter spray, a gold bobby pin, and a gold comb. Palau, the designer and curator of the products, described the collection as “a little teaser of what’s to come,” hinting at future developments for Zara Hair in 2024. The aim, according to Guido, was to create user-friendly products that act as “make-up for your hair,” allowing users to update their hairstyle for a fun and quick change. Kaia Gerber was tapped as the face of the partnership. In a video with Guido, Gerber said, “Every time I’ve made a rash decision to cut my hair, it’s been with you. And you’ve talked me out of really bad ones, too.”
Bottega Veneta Alum Could Become Tod’s Creative Director
According to WWD, a Bottega Veneta alum could be set to become the next creative director of Tod’s. Matteo Tamburini, currently collaborating with creative director Matthieu Blazy at the Italian luxury brand, is being considered for the role. Tamburini is set to take over from Walter Chiapponi, who departed in September after the brand’s womenswear spring 2024 show and has now assumed the position of creative director at Blumarine. With Tamburini’s background at Bottega Veneta, renowned for its artisanal leather goods, he is well-suited to embrace Tod’s aesthetic of understated luxury collections and Italian craftsmanship. [WWD]
The Pandora Leader of Change Award and Isabella Blow Award Recipients are Michaela Coel and Campbell Addy
British Ghanaian actress Michaela Coel, known for her notable works in Chewing Gum, I May Destroy You and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has been named the recipient of the Pandora Leader of Change Award at this year’s Fashion Awards. The event is scheduled to take place on Monday at the Royal Albert Hall, with the award to be presented by Pandora ambassador, Pamela Anderson. This award was established to “celebrate those who lead with innovation to create positive change globally, and consistently challenge the status quo.” In addition, British photographer, director, and publisher Campbell Addy will be honored with the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the upcoming award ceremony. Addy’s extensive portfolio includes work for publications such as Dazed, i-D, Rolling Stone, and The Wall Street Journal. Having captured images of prominent figures like Beyoncé, Edward Enninful, FKA Twigs, Naomi Campbell, and Tyler, the Creator, Addy was recognized as one of the New Wave: Creative Talents at The Fashion Awards in 2018 and 2019. The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator acknowledges innovators and creatives in fashion who have played a pivotal role in changing the fashion landscape. Past recipients include Ib Kamara, Katie Grand, Amanda Harlech, Mert & Marcus, Nick Knight, Pat McGrath, Louise Wilson, and Sam McKnight. [WWD] [WWD]
The 2023 Models.com Graduates
For over a decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, going from the rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50 recognizable muses throughout the world. Names like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part of the milestone series that uniquely marks the shift in a model’s career. With major bookings in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these models have continuously locked down luxury clients in the most competitive markets while continuing to dominate on the global stage. Shot in Paris during the madness of fashion week by photographer Mauricio Sierra, this year’s cast gets introspective with Models.com on their starts, the brands that have made their careers, and taking their place amongst an elite few. Check out the interviews here.
Photographer Julien Martinez Leclerc Creates with Theatrics and Tension
Models.com contributor Nia Groce spoke to Julien Martinez Leclerc about the inspiration, muses, and big moments behind his craft. Find the interview here.
