Coperni Is Heading To Disneyland for Paris Fashion Week
French fashion brand Coperni, known for creating viral moments like Bella Hadid’s spray-on dress and the Air Swipe Bag made from NASA’s nanomaterial silica aerogel, has chosen an intriguing venue for the upcoming fashion week. Co-founders Sebastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant will present their latest collection at Disneyland Paris on October 1st. Vaillant expressed, “It’s a childhood dream come true. We grew up in the south of France, and when you’re little, your first visit to Paris is not to see the Eiffel Tower, it’s to go to Disneyland.” This marks the first time Disneyland Paris will host a show during Paris Fashion Week. Although the entertainment company has partnered with fashion brands like Opening Ceremony, Balmain and Givenchy before, in 2023 also collaborated with artists and designers, including Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry and Kenzo’s Nigo, for Create 100 to mark its centenary.The upcoming Coperni show will draw inspiration from Disney’s princesses while infusing the brand’s cool and innovative aesthetic. While details of the show remain under wraps, the founders mentioned hosting a cocktail at the recently renovated, royalty-themed Disneyland Hotel. The after-party will take place at Discoveryland, home of the Space Mountain ride. [WWD]
Dior Men Taps Lewis Hamilton as Brand Ambassador and Guest Designer
F1 racer Lewis Hamilton has strengthened his ties to the fashion industry by becoming a brand ambassador for Dior Men and guest designing a new lifestyle capsule collection for the house. Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior Men, collaborated with Hamilton on the line, which will launch on October 17th in Dior stores and online. This partnership comes at a pivotal time for Hamilton, as the seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari in 2025 after 12 seasons with Mercedes. The unexpected move will unite the most successful driver in the history of the sport with its most storied team, as Hamilton eyes a record-breaking eighth title. Hamilton, a regular at Paris Fashion Week, first met Jones in 2016 when the designer was still at Louis Vuitton. The two bonded over their shared passion for Africa; Jones, the son of a hydrogeologist, spent his childhood in Botswana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana and is committed to conservation, sponsoring several endangered species. Their collaboration reflects this shared interest, featuring 80 percent sustainable materials. Jones explained, “Some of the fabrics were made in Burkina Faso. We’re working with someone who’s helping us source sustainable fabrics throughout the continent and really looking at what we can do to help get the next generation of people educated to be able to come work in a studio like this.” The collection is designed for customers with an active lifestyle and includes pants in fabrics like denim and tweed, knits, sweatshirts, and fleece tops made partly from organic or recycled textiles, and technical clothing by Japanese ski apparel maker Descente. [WWD]
Burberry Selects Joshua Schulman as CEO
Joshua Schulman has been selected as CEO of Burberry during a challenging period for the company, marked by a 22 percent decline in first-quarter retail revenue and the risk of an operating loss in the first fiscal half. Schulman, 52, will immediately succeed Jonathan Akeroyd, who exited after two years during one of the most intense economic periods the luxury goods industry has faced in over a decade. The first-quarter trading statement was issued simultaneously with Schulman’s CEO announcement, highlighting the urgent actions Burberry has had to take in response to the ongoing slowdown in luxury spending. This update significantly impacted Burberry’s shares, which closed down 17 percent at £7.35 on the London Stock Exchange. According to WWD, retail revenue fell 22 percent to £458 million, and at constant exchange rates, it dropped 20 percent. Comparable store sales decreased 21 percent in the three months to June 29, compared to an 18 percent increase in the same period last year. Schulman has a reputation for revitalizing and strengthening brands. His appointment as CEO marks his return to the industry after a two-year hiatus following his departure from Capri Holdings and he is returning to the U.K.12 years after leaving Jimmy Choo. Chairman Gerry Murphy said, “Josh is a proven leader with an outstanding record of building global luxury brands and driving profitable growth. He has a strong understanding of our brand and shares our ambition to build on Burberry’s unique creative heritage. His extensive experience in luxury and fashion will be key to realizing Burberry’s full potential.” [WWD]
Bottega Veneta Appoints Barbara Zanin as Director of Craft and Heritage
Bottega Veneta, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, is deepening its commitment by appointing Barbara Zanin to the newly created role of Director of Craft and Heritage. Zanin will collaborate closely with Creative Director Matthieu Blazy and CEO Leo Rongone to preserve and promote the brand’s artisanal heritage. She will oversee all artisans at the company’s Montebello atelier in Italy’s Veneto region, expand the brand’s archives, and serve as an ambassador for Bottega Veneta’s leather craftsmanship. Zanin was chosen for her extensive expertise and long-standing dedication to the brand. Since joining Bottega Veneta in 1998 as an assistant researcher in leather products, she has led the development of leather goods for 23 years at the Montebello atelier. Additionally, Zanin co-founded Bottega Veneta’s artisanal training school, Accademia Labor et Ingenium, which opened last year to continue the brand’s leather-working savoir-faire through workshops and courses for students, new hires, and employees. Blazy said,”Craft is Bottega Veneta’s timeless technology and there are few people who understand the history, depth and intricacy of our craft like Barbara Zanin. Since my appointment as creative director, Barbara has been a key figure in transmitting the artisanal savoir-faire that is the beating heart of the house. She is the perfect person to take on this role and to protect and promote Bottega Veneta craftsmanship in our Montebello atelier and around the world.” [WWD]
EssilorLuxottica Is Buying Supreme
In an unexpected move, French-Italian eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica owner of Ray-Ban is buying streetwear brand Supreme from VF Corporation for $1.5 billion, the companies announced on Wednesday. This acquisition is EssilorLuxottica’s first venture into the apparel sector. VF Corp, the owner of brands like Vans and North Face, had previously purchased Supreme in 2020 for $2.1 billion. According to Reuters, VF Corp shares rose over 8% in New York following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in VF’s decision to sell. In contrast, EssilorLuxottica’s shares fell nearly 4% in Paris at 14:35 GMT. Sources suggest that EssilorLuxottica acquired Supreme to leverage its data and strengthen its connection with Gen Z consumers. The eyewear maker will maintain Supreme’s current business model but sees potential in using the brand to test new products and technologies. EssilorLuxottica’s CEO Francesco Milleri and deputy CEO Paul du Saillant stated, “With its unique brand identity, fully-direct commercial approach and customer experience…Supreme will have its own space within our house brand portfolio and complement our licensed portfolio as well.” Supreme, known for its cult following and rapid sell-outs, reported revenues of around $520 million for the fiscal year 2022-2023. The brand operates 17 stores across the US, Asia, and Europe. This acquisition could potentially enhance Supreme’s offerings while preserving its status among its dedicated fanbase. [WWD]
Model of the Week: Pascal Thulin Has Been A Staple for Designer Jonathan Anderson
Model of the week Pascal Thulin has been a Jonathan Anderson’s staple, walking for both Loewe and J.W. Anderson since his debut last year. To learn more about his start in the industry, the most memorable places he has visited, and one thing he would like to see change in the world. Find the interview here.
Jan-Michael Quammie on Styling Hollywood’s Rising Stars
Stylist, wardrobe consultant, and native New Yorker Jan-Michael Quammie has been immersed in fashion since childhood. Growing up in Brooklyn, she climbed the retail corporate ladder working overseas in China until moving to Europe to transition into editorial. With past gigs as InStyle Germany’s fashion director and Highsnobiety’s first-ever style director, Quammie now works with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Usher, Pamela Anderson, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Models.com caught up with her to discuss how moving outside her comfort zone accelerated her career, discovering the dualities of her clients’ styles, and her advice for up-and-coming creatives. Find the full interview here.
How Claire Grech Crafts Characters with Hair
Essex-born hairstylist Claire Grech fell into hair as a teenager after impromptu haircuts for friends eventually led her to assist leaders like Anthony Turner before she ventured out independently. Ever since then, she has created fanciful characters for clients like Burberry, Valentino, and LouisVuitton. For our next Behind The Image, Grech shares with Models.com what she loves about her work, the biggest challenges she has faced, and other jobs she has had. Find the full interview here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Are Dancers, Bookworms, and Adrenaline Junkies
Six rookies from different corners of the world are here to share more about themselves. Find out who dances, who’s the bookworm, and who lives life on the edge. Find the full interview here.
