Alessandro Michele Is the New Creative Director of Valentino
Following Pierpaolo Piccioli‘s departure from Valentino last Friday, the luxury Italian house swiftly announced Alessandro Michele as its new creative director this week. Michele, hailing from Rome, is poised to assume his new role officially on Tuesday, April 2nd. His inaugural collection for Valentino will debut this fall during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 season. Expressing his gratitude, Michele remarked, “It’s an incredible honour. I feel the immense joy and the huge responsibility to join a Maison de Couture that has the word ‘beauty’ carved on a collective story made of distinctive elegance, refinement, and extreme grace.” Notably, Michele will operate from Valentino’s stunning office near the Spanish Steps, marking his debut into couture design. The transition, overseen by Valentino’s CEO, Jacopo Venturini, underscores Michele’s impactful tenure at Gucci, where he served as creative director for seven years starting in January 2015, where he ushered in a free-spirited quirky aesthetic.Under his leadership, Gucci’s revenues nearly tripled from €3.5 billion in 2014 to €9.73 billion in 2022, a testament to Michele’s visionary approach. Michele’s new role also brings him back into the orbit of the Kering Group, Gucci’s parent company. Valentino was acquired in 2012 for €700 million by the investment fund Mayhoola. Last year, Mayhoola sold a 30% stake in the brand to Kering for €1.7 billion, with Kering set to assume full ownership by 2028, while Mayhoola retains a stake in Kering. With Michele at the helm, a new chapter unfolds for Valentino, undoubtedly captivating the entire industry, eagerly awaiting his debut. [Vogue Business]
Pitti Uomo Selects Marine Serre As Guest Designer
Marine Serre has had a notable ascent in the industry since launching her eponymous brand in 2017, and Pitti Immagine Uomo mirrored the sentiment, announcing this week that the organization tapped Serre as the next guest designer, set to take place in Florence, Italy, June 14-17. Her brand’s moon logo has been instantly recognizable as seen on Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more. Serre herself has become a fixture at Paris Fashion Week since clinching the 2017 LVMH Prize. Known for her fusion of French silhouettes with sportswear aesthetics, Serre joins the esteemed ranks of designers such as Grace Wales Bonner, Glenn Martens, and Shayne Oliver, who have graced the Pitti Uomo stage in previous years . While the venue for Serre’s showcase remains undisclosed, Serre said, “It’s an honor for me and my team to be the Guest Designer of Pitti Uomo this season. We’re looking forward to bringing the essence of MARINE SERRE to Florence, mixing craftsmanship our way, and shaking the lines of what’s expected to be, bringing imagination at the service of transformation.” [Hypebeast]
Founder of I Love Models Management, Patrizia Wassermann Passes
Founder of I Love Models Management, Patrizia Wassermann, tragically passed away on March 24th. Wassermann began her career as a booker in 1982 at Beatrice Model Agency in Milan, eventually ascending to the position of head booker of the men’s division. In 2009, she departed from Beatrice Model Agency to establish her own modeling agency: I Love Models Management. Throughout her illustrious career, Wassermann represented top male models like Andres Velencoso Segura, Jon Kortajarena, Oriol Elcacho, Philip Huang, Scott Barnhill, and Simon Nessman among many others. Recognized in 2012 as one of 12 Italian women who changed fashion (the list included such luminaries as Miuccia Prada and Franca Sozzani as well), Wasserman was beloved by everyone who met her, from models to clients to other model agents. The outpouring of grief from around the modeling/fashion world at news of her passing revealed her 4 decades of influence and impact but mostly on how much her generous humanity and joy will be missed. Reflecting on her untimely passing, Nessman shared, “Patrizia was a beautiful person. As an agent she was one of the best— tough when she needed to be and kind and compassionate as a default. As a person she had the refreshing characteristic of being deeply grounded in a ‘people first, work second’ attitude. Nothing ever felt more important than the well being of the people she was with, and the appreciation of the present moment. I am deeply grateful for everything she did for me over the years and I will miss her dearly.”
Ralph Lauren Returns to New York
Ralph Lauren is set to return to New York with the debut of his fall/holiday 2024 collection on April 29th. While the venue remains undisclosed, sources indicate that the show will be small and intimate, serving as a tribute to the city that continues to inspire the designer. Just last year, Lauren presented his spring 2024 collection at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, marking his return to New York Fashion Week. In the previous season, his fall 2022 collection was showcased at Huntington Gardens in San Marino, California, marking his West Coast debut. However, prior to that, he exhibited at MoMa in New York. [WWD]
Hanan Besovic of @ideservecouture Gives His Runway Perspective
Models.com caught up with fashion commentator Hanan Besovic aka @ideservecouture at SO/ Paris Hotel where he shared his thoughts on some of the standout performances this season, his current favorite models, and the need to elevate the next generation of icons. Check out the interview here.
Yann Turchi on Developing a Freedom of Expression Through Hair
Models.com spoke to hairstylist Yann Turchi about how he got his start in the industry through necessity, working alongside legendary talents, and staying versatile. Check out the interview here.
Model of the Week: Prada Exclusive Yar Aguer Had A Stellar First Show Season
Models.com spoke to Yar Aguer about her dream to become a model since she was a child, walking for Prada, and her passion for art. Check out the interview here.
This Show Season, The Models Were The Trendsetters
Over fashion month, Models.com noticed how the muses of the runway are often the best showcase of style in real time. Many a notable name dusted off their best winter threads as they journeyed through New York, London, Milan, and Paris. With images by resident photographer Melodie Jeng, Models.com takes a closer look at some of the trends that defined streetstyle and were on our radar. Check out the trends of the season here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Talk Mythology and Military Service
Models.com spoke to six rookies about their favorite artists, serving in the military, and demigods. Check it out here.
Three top newcomers from the F/W 24 season: Jace Higgins, Dru Campbell, and Xiaohan Chen, shared their first runway experiences.
