LVMH and Chanel Join Forces on Sustainability Initiatives, Kith Names Women’s Creative Director, and more news you missed

LVMH and Chanel Join Forces on Sustainability Initiatives
LVMH and Chanel have joined forces to prioritize sustainability initiatives and streamline corporate and social responsibility reporting and audit schedules at the supplier level. These two powerhouse companies will additionally support their suppliers through a Life 360 Business Partners partnership program. Moreover, they will introduce LVMH Circularity, a venture aimed at repurposing unsold inventory from various group houses into new projects. These initiatives were unveiled as part of LVMH’s sustainability day under its Life 360 banner. The event brought together brand presidents and creative directors at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, spearheaded by Antoine Arnault, the group’s head of image and environment. Bernard Arnault, the chief of LVMH, said, “The environmental challenge redefines the usual rules of competition, I believe it is our duty to know how to rise above the usual patterns. Progress of any kind is crucial. We must join forces.” [WWD]

Kith Names Women’s Creative Director
Eight years following its launch, Kith has recently opened a women’s store, tapping Daniëlle Cathari as the first creative director of Kith Women. Collaborating with CEO Ronnie Fieg, the founder and creative director of Kith, as well as the Kith Women team, Cathari will contribute her expertise across various aspects as the brand prepares for a rollout slated for late 2024. Cathari’s fashion journey started after winning the VFiles Runway during New York Fashion Week in 2017, leading her to establish her own brand in Amsterdam that same year. Since then, she has collaborated with brands such as Adidas Originals, Clarks, New Balance, and Woolrich. Kith Women was unveiled today at 644 Broadway in the vibrant heart of SoHo at Bleecker Street. Notably, this store marks a significant milestone, as the original Kith store in Manhattan was in this exact location in 2011. Additionally, Kith Women will feature an in-store café and a garden space as part of a partnership with PlantShed, a New York-based retailer specializing in flowers and plants. [Vogue]

Chloé Taps Laurent Malecaze as CEO of Chloé
Two months after naming Chloé, Chemena Kamali as the new creative director of Chloé, the brand has announced a new president and CEO to replace Riccardo Bellini, who is leaving after four years. Richemont made the announcement on Wednesday, saying, “[Riccardo] has helped reconnect Chloé with its purpose, bringing a unique point of differentiation within the industry and laying the foundations for its next cycle of growth,” said Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Richemont’s fashion and accessories maisons.Laurent Malecaze will start his new position at Chloé later this month, exiting his role as CEO at Richemont-owned British luxury brand Dunhill. Before that, he was at AZ Factory, the label founded by late designer Alber Elbaz (also owned by Richemont), and US-based multi-brand retailer The Webster. [Vogue]

Ebonee Davis Launches Memoir
Ebonee Davis unveiled her first memoir, “Daughter: The Soul Journey of a Black Woman in America Having a Human Experience,” at Spring Place. Davis delivered a powerful spoken word performance to celebrate her launch. Her memoir comprises a collection of poems and essays that weave together the narrative depicting the experiences of a young Black woman in America. It delves into breaking generational cycles, initiating the healing process for the inherent trauma present in everyone, and embarking on a spiritual awakening that significantly transformed her life. “An introspective exploration of growth, healing, forgiveness, and self-love, Ebonee Davis’s debut collection is a must-read for anyone and everyone having a uniquely human experience in an ever-devolving world. Timely, moving, and inspiring, Daughter is a powerful reminder that the journey to true freedom must always begin with the journey within.” The book can be ordered here.

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.

Colin Jones on Advocating For Trans Representation
Models.com spoke to Colin Jones about her transition journey, how she breathes life into different characters on the runway, savors new experiences, and her Maison Margiela S/S 24 show walk that took Tiktok by storm. All images were shot by Conor Cunningham for Models.com. Check out the interview here.

Marina Testino Wants to Raise Awareness of Climate Change with #CreateCOP28
Models.com spoke to Marina Testino, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Earth Partner, a subdivision of Art Partner, about how she unites voices, brands, and platforms for positive climate impact in fashion. Testino also spoke about her journey to self-acceptance and her vision for an ethical and sustainable future. Check out the interview here.

France’s Freshest Faces on Trends and Gastronomy
Paris, right now, is the place to be. Serving as the international mecca for both the fashion establishment and the burgeoning underground, the city is abuzz with creative energy and power moves. Models.com talks to six new faces from France. Check out the interview here.


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