Blumarine Taps David Koma as Creative Director
Georgian-born designer David Koma has been appointed as the new creative director of Blumarine, set to debut his first collection for pre-fall 2025. Although Blumarine is not listed on the preliminary Milan Fashion Week schedule from September 17th to 23rd, anticipation remains high for Koma’s impact on the brand. Koma, who launched his London-based fashion house in 2009, has been a mainstay at London Fashion Week. In the summer of 2023, he designed several looks for Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” world tour. Koma follows Walter Chiapponi, who left Blumarine after just one collection in March, and Nicola Brognano, who held the role for four years. Reflecting on his new role, Koma stated, “Blumarine embodies a unique blend of sensuality, timeless glamour and elegance that I always admired, and it is an honor to be able to write the next chapter in the brand’s illustrious history.” [WWD]
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Tiffany & Co. and CFDA have announced the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award, a first-of-its-kind honor recognizing outstanding American jewelry designers who champion inclusivity in the design industry. This award aims to elevate jewelry design to a category on par with womenswear and menswear. Selected participants will receive mentorship and an immersive learning experience. One designer will be awarded a yearlong fellowship within Tiffany & Co.’s design department, along with a $50,000 prize. Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President of Product, Communications & Industrial at Tiffany & Co., said, “The inaugural Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award uplifts Tiffany Atrium’s commitment to fostering lasting change across the jewelry and design industries. With a rich history of supporting inclusivity and creative excellence, Tiffany & Co. continues to be a champion for creative expression and social impact.” This award signifies a partnership between Tiffany Atrium’s social impact platform and the CFDA IMPACT program to nurture the next generation of American jewelry designers. The 2024 Selection Committee includes Alexandre Arnault, Bethann Hardison, Frank Everett, Gabrielle Union, Jahleel Weaver, Jason Wu, Joan Smalls, Nathalie Verdeille, and Rajni Jacques.The application process for the 2024 program opens on Monday, July 29th, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 16th, 2024. Participants will be announced in the fall, with the award recipient revealed in early 2025. [CFDA]
Adut Akech Is Pregnant
Adut Akech is pregnant with her first baby with partner Samuel Elkhier, breaking the news with Vogue. Akech, who reportedly has 10 weeks left in her pregnancy, shared, “I always said I wanted to be a young mom because I love the idea of growing up with your kids.” She also announced the news on her Instagram, posting photos from her Vogue photo shoot. “Beyond BLESSED, GRATEFUL and CANNOT wait to meet our bundle of joy!!! 🤰🏿🤍🥰🤞🏾,” she wrote in her caption. [Vogue]
Marta Ortega Pérez Foundation’s Next Exhibition Is on Irving Penn
Legendary 20th-century photographer Irving Penn, known for his masterful printmaking, and timeless images, will be showcased at the Marta Ortega Pérez Foundation (MOP Foundation) in A Coruña, Spain. The exhibition, Irving Penn: Centennial, will run from November 23rd, 2024, to May 1st, 2025, featuring 175 images including notable portraits of Audrey Hepburn, Gianni Versace, Issey Miyake, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as abstract nudes and floral compositions. The MOP Foundation President, Marta Ortega Pérez, said, “Irving Penn’s image making is exemplary. In Penn’s hands the everyday becomes extraordinary, revealing the profound beauty in simplicity. His work does more than capture moments; it captures the essence of his subjects and invites us to see the world anew. His enduring legacy lies in the ability of his photographs to excite our imagination every time we see them. It is truly an honor to be able to present this wonderful exhibition in A Coruña as we continue our mission to showcase the very best of fashion photography.” Irving Penn: Centennial initially premiered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2017, featuring portraits of Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and more. For the first time, the catalog Irving Penn: Centennial has been translated into Spanish to accompany this exhibition. Originally published in English, French, German, and Portuguese by The Met in 2017, the catalog will enhance visitors’ experience. At the MOP Foundation, Pérez has focused on exhibitions dedicated to fashion image makers, having previously hosted showcases on Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, and Helmut Newton.
How Helena Tejedor’s Self-Taught Path Shaped Modern Luxury
Fashion stylist Helena Tejedor’s rise in the fashion space has been a testament to her innate talent and unwavering dedication. Born in Madrid and raised in Toulouse, her passion was ignited by pop culture identifiers like MTV and Carine Roitfeld’s Vogue France. Celebrated for her collaborations with brands like Coperni and Casablanca, Tejedor has worked with industry talents like Gaspar Noé, Petra Collins, and muses like Mica Argañaraz. Models.com spoke to her to discuss her journey from self-taught stylist to a sought-after name in fashion, her focus on supporting emerging designers, and being a pivotal consultant in the space of contemporary luxury. Click the link here for the full interview.
Ramona Eschbach on Bringing Hair to Life with Movement
Hairstylist Ramona Eschbach is known for embracing a frizzy texture and began her career with a five-year stint assisting Eugene Souleiman. Now, she has established a unique identity working with brands like Jacquemus, Dazed, and Fendi. In an interview with Models.com, Eschbach discusses how subcultures have influenced her aesthetic, her love for meeting people in the industry, and who she thinks is one to watch. Read the full interview here.
How A Fortuitous Switch Led Patrick Glatthaar to Makeup
Known for his textural approach to classic beauty, German makeup artist Patrick Glatthaar has captivated the industry with his remarkable talent. After first starting as a hairdresser, a push from his peers led him to the makeup world and eventually working with photographers like Vito Fernicola, Davit Giorgadze, and Tanya + Zhenya Posternak. Honing his skills through collaborations with creatives like Marc Goehring and Imruh Asha has produced some of his recent notable work. Models.com spoke to him about his favorite moments, how family and friends drew him to switch to makeup, and his advice for those wanting to get started in beauty. Click the link here for the full interview.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Are Dancers, Drummers, and Gamers
Models.com brings you this week’s group of MDC Selects. Find out who danced with Prince, who plays the drums, and who was in a modeling competition. Click the link here to find out all their answers.
Matthew Mazur’s Evolution from Club Kid to Multi-hyphenate DJ & Stylist
New Yorker Matthew Mazur, also known as DJ Mazurbate has always stayed true to his vision, resisting the pressures of conformity. Growing up in New York’s downtown club scene and attending Parsons, he naturally worked his way into the music and fashion world, starting out as an intern and DJing for designers like Jeremy Scott. Today, Mazur styles artists like Lil Nas X, Coi Leray, and Camila Cabello while DJing for fashion shows and events. Models.com caught up with Mazur to discuss the importance of amplifying brands and artists from marginalized communities, his song of the summer, and the powerful impact that music can have on a fashion show. Find the full interview here.
Also, don’t forget about the 10 new additions to Models.com Hot List rankings.
