Gilles Elalouf Dies at 58
Gilles Elalouf, whose leadership helped shape Y/Project, passed away at age 58 in Fontenay-sous-Bois, near Paris, on Sunday after a long illness. With a background in advertising, Elalouf co-founded Y/Project in 2010 with the late Yohan Serfaty, serving as president of the board of shareholders. Known for its innovative and edgy streetwear designs, Y/Project quickly made an impact on the industry. Reflecting on their partnership, Glenn Martens, the brand’s creative director, said, “Merci Gilles. For trusting me. For making magic together. For 10 years of the greatest adventure. You will be missed forever. Love you.” Elalouf’s career began at Boston Consulting Group, followed by a decade at Publicis Groupe, as detailed on his LinkedIn profile. During the start of Y/Project, he also founded Second Stage Pharma, a start-up pharmaceutical laboratory dedicated to revitalizing established products. His commitment to cultural and academic pursuits was showcased through his active involvement with the Espace Culturel et Universitaire Juif d’Europe (ECUJE), an organization promoting Jewish culture and academic education for over 50 years, according to a tribute on the organization’s website. Elalouf is survived by his parents, Mady and Edmond, his brother Daniel, and his sister Yaël. [WWD]
032c Taps Mona Touggard as Creative Casting Lead
Just ahead of Paris men’s fashion week, 032c has selected Mona Tougaard as the creative casting lead for their Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Paris on June 20th. In an Instagram caption, the brand stated, “She is an inherent member of the 032c universe, who has starred on our magazine covers, our editorials, and our previous SS-24 show. It is an organic progression to involve Tougaard more closely in 032c’s creative processes together with creative director Maria Koch and fashion director Ras Bartram.” Tougaard will be working in conjuction with casting director Ben Grimes on the artistic casting for the show.
New York Is Almost Close to Passing Fashion Workers Act
After three years of lobbying by models and politicians, the Fashion Workers Act has been passed by the New York Assembly and Senate and is now headed to Governor Kathy Hochul for approval. This unprecedented bill aims to regulate management agencies and provide industry oversight, guaranteeing workers receive contracts, payment within 45 days, and protection from harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. If approved by Governor Hochul, the legislation will also prohibit excessively high commissions and fees. The fashion industry in New York state generates approximately $600 million in revenue each year from the semiannual New York Fashion Week. About 180,000 people work in New York’s fashion industry, contributing nearly $11 billion in total wages. Another bill pending approval among legislators in Albany is The Fashion Act. According to WWD, this bill would amend general business law to require fashion sellers to be accountable to environmental and social standards and establish a fashion remediation fund. Both the Fashion Workers Act and The Fashion Act were introduced by New York state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, with the former receiving support from Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., who chairs its subcommittee on workplace safety. Additionally, the New York State Senate passed the Retail Worker Safety Act on Friday. This act requires corporate retail employers to adopt a violence prevention plan, train workers in de-escalation techniques related to active shooters, and mandate that large employers install panic buttons throughout the workplace. While The Fashion Act aims to advance sustainable efforts, the Fashion Workers Act seeks to transform industry standards by ensuring timely payments, formal contracts, and safe working conditions, which could significantly improve the working lives of models, particularly vulnerable groups such as teenagers and immigrants. Model Alliance’s founder Sara Ziff said “This is a major leap forward for the fashion industry, which since its inception, has been an absolute backwater for workers’ rights, camouflaged by glamor and rife with a range of abuses considered the price of admission.” [WWD]
Zara Hair Launches ‘Undone’ Collection
Just in time for summer, Zara Hair has launched its third line: Undone, creative directed by Guido Palau. The Undone collection features three products designed for a relaxed and carefree summer look. Palau curated, formulated, and designed the collection, which promises to simplify achieving the perfect “imperfect” summer style. The launch was accompanied by a campaign featuring model Rosalieke Fuchs, photographed by Ned Rogers. Palau styled the hair looks, while Jamal Scott created the effortless makeup look. The three products—Air Foam, Sea Spray, and Wet Look Mousse—are each priced at $22.90. You can find how-to videos for using each product on Zara’s website.
Actor Damson Idris’ Journey from Peckham to Prada
Growing up in London’s Peckham neighborhood, among the liveliness of a Nigerian home, actor Damson Idris grew up surrounded by traditions that valued education and appreciated fashion. Idris nailed the South Central LA accent in the Franklin Saint role, marking his rise to stardom in Snowfall. From winning the 2024 NAACP Image Award to rocking the Prada runway, he’s made a mark in entertainment with his transformative performances in Swarm, Black Mirror, and Farming. Add on brand partnerships with Calvin Klein, Zegna, and his role as Prada ambassador, his star power on and off screen is noteworthy. Models.com spoke with Idris at The Carlye to discuss his upcoming role in the super secret upcoming Joseph Kosinski-led F1 movie, his current life chapter, and the freedom that comes with creative collaboration in fashion. Find the full interview here.
From Rihanna to Ballroom, Yusef Williams Reflects on a Decades-Long Career in Hair
With a career spanning the scope of fashion, music, and beauty, Yusef Williams needs no introduction. From creating glossy editorials with friend, client, and muse Rihanna to founding the iconic ballroom house Iconic Miyake-Mugler — the celebrated hairstylist and ballroom pioneer cut his teeth early sculpting tresses at Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior, Christian Lacroix and continues to carve out a space uniquely his own. Models.com contributor Shelton Boyd Griffith spoke to Williams about the influence of ballroom on the industry, collaborating with Rihanna, and his new reality show. Find the full interview here.
Starmaker Paul Rowland on Legacy and His Latest Comeback
Renowned model agent Paul Rowland, shook up the New York fashion scene in 2010 by stepping away from his legacy in model representation and moving to Ford. Having co-founded Women in 1988 and Supreme in 2000, Rowland redefined the modeling landscape, elevating stars like teenage Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and the late Stella Tennant to iconic status. Now back at Ford Barcelona, Models.com sat down with Rowland during a rare New York visit to discuss his legacy, moving overseas and past his lowest professional point, and what it means to cultivate a model star. Find the interview here.
Model of the Week: New Face Arthur Hargous Has Been A Gucci Staple
A favorite at the Gucci house, this week’s Model of the Week is French model Arthur Hargous. After meeting his mother agent, Arthur’s life changed and he’s been hitting the catwalk for Gucci, debuting with a worldwide exclusive. Read his complete interview here.
MDC Selects: Meet the New Faces Proving Age is Nothing but a Number
Welcome in a new group of MDC Selects, proving that age is nothing but a number in the industry. Find out how they got their start, advice for models entering the industry later in life, and their hopes for evolved new standards of beauty. Click here to find the interview.
Also, don’t forget Top 50 model Devyn Garcia’s day in the life at the Jacquemus show.
