The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Opens Up Application Process for 2024
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a collaboration between the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue to support emerging American design talent, opened its application process for the 2024 program on Thursday. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Fashion Fund continues its mission to foster the success of up-and-coming designers. Anna Wintour, chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, said, “Little did we know that when we launched the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund that one day we would be celebrating its 20th anniversary. That we can is due to the many wonderful designers who have taken part over the years — and we’re looking forward to welcoming those who will be our class of 2024.” Over the years, the Fashion Fund has propelled the careers of numerous American designers, including Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Aurora James of Brother Vellies, Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra, Jonathan Simkhai of Simkhai, Christopher John Rogers, Willy Chavarria, Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Telfar Clemens of Telfar, and Thom Browne. For the 2024 Vogue/Fashion Fund, a panel of esteemed judges, comprising Anna Wintour, CFDA’s CEO Steven Kolb, Aurora James, Instagram’s Eva Chen, and model Paloma Elsesser, will select ten finalists. The winner will be awarded $300,000, while the two runners-up will each receive $100,000. Last year, Melitta Baumeister was named the winner of the 19th CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and Rachel Scott of Diotima and Henry Zankov of Zankov were named runners-up. [WWD]
Burberry Taps Barry Keoghan As Brand Ambassador
Burberry has tapped Irish actor Barry Keoghan as its newest brand ambassador. The star of Saltburn recently attended Daniel Lee’s fall 2024 show held in Victoria Park, East London, in February. Keoghan expressed his longstanding admiration for Burberry, stating, “I’ve been a fan of Burberry for many years now. It’s such an iconic heritage brand with innovation at its heart and a commitment to supporting arts and culture. I’m very excited to be a part of this next chapter.” Keoghan showcased his association with Burberry at the 2023 Met Gala, where he donned a Burberry blue tartan suit. Rising swiftly to fame with standout performances in Christopher Nolan’s World War II film “Dunkirk”; Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” and Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which led him to win a BAFTA as Best Supporting Actor in 2023. Burberry’s chief creative officer, Daniel Lee, hailed Keoghan’s talent, saying, “His raw, unique talent is incredibly inspiring and perfectly reflects the spirit of our brand.” [WWD]
Wallpaper magazine Selects Bill Prince as Editor-in-chief
Wallpaper Magazine has announced Bill Prince as its new editor-in-chief, succeeding Sarah Douglas, who helmed the architecture, fashion, and design publication for 16 years. Malcolm Young, managing director of the magazine, said, “I am incredibly excited to work with the most passionate and innovative team in luxury publishing who continue to deliver the best-in-class, design-led content and collaborations. I very much look forward to the next chapter in Wallpaper’s remarkable story.” Prince will spearhead the magazine’s editorial decisions while retaining his position as editor-in-chief of The Blend, the edition accompanying The Week magazine. Both Wallpaper and The Week are owned by British publishing company Future plc, which oversees Country Life, Homes and Gardens, Decanter, and Marie Claire. Prince brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as deputy editor at British GQ for over two decades and launching his career at British music magazine New Musical Express (NME). Alongside Prince’s appointment, Charlotte Gunn joins the team as director of digital content. Additionally, Jason Hughes, formerly the publication’s fashion director, now assumes the fashion and creative director role. [WWD]
Matches Fashion Closes
Just two months after its £52 million acquisition of online luxury retailer Matches Fashion, Frasers Group has shockingly announced the closure of the e-tailer. Frasers revealed in a release to the London Stock Exchange that Matches will be placed into administration, citing insurmountable challenges in restructuring the business and unsustainable funding requirements. Despite valiant efforts by Matches’ management team to stabilize operations, the magnitude of change required proved too daunting for viability. Matches reported staggering losses, soaring from £5.9 million in 2020 to £36.6 million in 2021 and further escalating to £39.8 million in 2022. By 2023, losses had surged to £70.9 million. The closure of Matches underscores the persistent challenges in the e-retail sector. Notably, Farfetch was acquired by South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang at the end of last year, with founder José Neves stepping down earlier this year. Upon Matches’ acquisition in December, CEO Michael Murray had expressed intentions to bolster Frasers’ luxury profile and facilitate a turnaround for the struggling retailer. [Vogue Business]
Inside the Mark Hotel’s Iconic Legacy With Owner Izak Senbahar
Models.com spoke to the owner of The Mark, Izak Senbahar about the Met Gala, introducing new experiences like the Caviar Kaspia restaurant, his penchant for innovation, and creating a home for his guests. Check out the interview here.
The Most Interesting Models This Season Have A Day Job
Yes, we know you’re expecting Top Newcomers (patience is key!) but Models.com would be remiss to not mention all the creatives we noticed recently taking their own spins on the catwalk. From Tyler Mitchell walking Wales Bonner during men’s fashion week to fashion director Dara at Miu Miu. Now that fashion week is done, take a look at the creatives who walked the runway here.
Paris Fashion Week
Catch up on Paris Fashion Week show reviews from Mugler to Coperni and all of the models’ street style looks here.
Model of the Week: After His Start At Prada, Ayo Hassan Has Been A Runway Mainstay
Models.com spoke to Nigerian new face Ayo Hassan about his Prada debut, passion for football, and more here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Are Women on the Verge of a Breakthrough
For International Women’s Day, Models.com spoke to 6 new faces about speaking Esperanto, sustainability, and releasing the need to control. Check out the interviews here.
And don’t forget some of this week’s PFW content with Runway Spotlights at Miu Miu and Stella McCartney.
