Vote for the Model of the Year 2023 Awards
As we look back on the year that was, 2023 had viral show moments in far-flung destinations, the return of many model legends, and plenty of designer shakeups. Who were the models that commanded our attention this year? It’s your turn to tell us who you think is on top. Vote for the Model of the Year 2023 Awards here. The deadline is December 15th at 5pm EST.
Rochas Taps Alessandro Vigilante as Creative Director
Since last May, Alessandro Vigilante has discreetly been contributing to Rochas, even playing a role in the spring 2024 collection. The brand officially announced his appointment as the creative director for ready-to-wear. Throughout his career, Vigilante has worked in the studios of The Attico, Dolce & Gabbana, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and Gucci under Alessandro Michele. His debut collection is scheduled for the fall 2024 season, premiering during Paris Fashion Week in February. Philippe Bénacin, chairman, and chief executive officer of Interparfums, the parent company of Rochas, highlighted that the format would be a presentation, with a return to the runway planned for September 2024. Bénacin and Vigilante share similar visual identities for the brand, emphasizing a distinctly “Parisian” aesthetic. The Italian designer steps into the role following Charles de Vilmorin, who concluded his two-year tenure last April. [Vogue]
The 2023 Fashion Awards
The 2023 Fashion Awards unfolded at the Royal Albert Hall, with Maya Jama and singer-songwriter Kojey Radical as hosts. Valentino Garavani was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award, Josh O’Connor the face of the Loewe spring 2024 campaign presented Jonathan Anderson with the Designer of the Year accolade—the evening’s most coveted prize. Sarah Burton took home The Special Recognition Award who recently departed from her role at Alexander McQueen, and was presented the award by Edward Enninful who also took home the Trailblazer Award presented by Jodie Comer & Stormzy. British Ghanaian actress and writer Michaela Coel received the Pandora Leader of Change Award, presented by Pandora ambassador Pamela Anderson. In her acceptance speech, Coel expressed gratitude to her audience, reflecting on the meaningful impact of her work addressing sexual assault in “I May Destroy You.” Sam Smith accepted the Cultural Innovator Award from actor and writer Lena Dunham. Meanwhile, London-native Charlotte Tilbury received the Special Recognition Award from Amal Clooney. Bianca Saunders won the New Establishment Menswear award, and the duo behind Chopova Lowena received the New Establishment Womenswear award. Maximilian Davis, creative director of Ferragamo, won the British Womenswear Designer of the Year, while Martine Rose secured the British Menswear Designer of the Year in the men’s category. Paloma Elsesser was named Model of the Year, and Campbell Addy, the photographer, director, and publisher, was honored with the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator—presented by Ib Kamara and Jourdan Dunn. [WWD]
Jacquemus Headed to the South of France
After showcasing at the Palace of Versailles, Jacquemus is now set to debut his upcoming collection on Jan 29th at the Fondation Maeght in the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the South of France. Established in 1964 by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght and designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, the private foundation houses works by Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Alberto Giacometti, and Joan Miró. Named ‘Les Sculptures’ in homage to Giacometti’s work, Jacquemus’s collection marks the foundation’s second venture into fashion after hosting Louis Vuitton’s cruise 2019 show. Known for scenic runways in stunning locations, such as lavender fields and salt mines, often in the South of France, this winter show will be the designer’s first in his native Provence. [WWD]
Art Partner Announces The #CreateCOP28 Winners
Art Partner has announced the winners of the Open Call #CreateCOP28 competition, inviting applicants to spark discussions on vital climate change and environmental issues for consideration at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023. With over 130 participating countries, applications addressed diverse effects of climate change, from river pollution and extreme weather variations to rising sea levels and increased human waste. The competition focuses on amplifying voices from marginalized communities, aiming to enhance the climate conversation among those who often face underrepresentation and cannot actively participate. This year’s competition winners and runners-up include Gab Mejia, Kasha Sequoia Slavner, Francesco Migliaccio, Julia E Daser, María Legaristi Royo, Lize Briel, Chloe Karnezi, and Corinne Rivera. For future projects, the 1st place winner receives $10k, the 2nd place winner gets $5k, and the 3rd place winner is granted $2k. [Vogue]
The Pirelli 2024 Calendar
The annual Pirelli Calendar, known for its exclusivity, prestige, glamour, and stellar cast, celebrated a milestone this year as it marked the 50th anniversary of “The Cal.” Ghanaian visual artist Prince Gyasi was chosen to photograph and curate the 2024 edition, featuring talents like Naomi Campbell, Teyana Taylor, Angela Bassett, Amanda Gorman (the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history), Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage, and more. At 28, Prince Gyasi made history as the first Ghanaian/African to receive this prestigious commission. The theme for the 50th edition of the calendar is “Timeless,” with Gyasi intentionally capturing some subjects in Ghana, particularly in the capital, Accra, and Kumasi. Not available for public purchase, the Pirelli Calendar is exclusively gifted to select individuals and celebrities. Gyasi explained, “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.” [W Magazine] [CNN]
Creative Director Sarah-Jayne Todd Discusses AnOther And More
Models.com spoke with Sarah-Jayne Todd about her first major issue with AnOther as art director, gender dynamics within her field, and opening up her own studio in the midst of the pandemic lockdown. Check out the interview here.
Model of the Week: Leanne De Haan is a Runway Regular & Harper’s Bazaar Cover Star
Models.com spoke to Leanne De Haan about how she got discovered, working with the Prada team, and one day becoming a midwife. Check out the interview here.
