Willa Bennett Selected as Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen
In a full-circle moment, Willa Bennett, who began her career as an intern at Seventeen Magazine, has been named the new editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan U.S. and Seventeen Magazine at Hearst Magazines. She will start her new role on September 16th, with her first issue set to debut in early 2025. Bennett succeeds Jessica Giles, who has held multiple senior editorial positions during her tenure at Hearst, including six years as editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan. Since September 2023, Giles has also served as editor-in-chief of Seventeen after Kristin Koch’s departure as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. “I’ve been an avid reader of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen since before I can remember and I’m honored to lead these two important brands into the future. I feel optimistic about the next generation and with two iconic legacy brands, anything is possible,” said Bennett. Previously serving as editor-in-chief at Highsnobiety, Bennett will now oversee content strategy and editorial operations across print, digital, social, and video for both titles in her new role at Hearst. She will report directly to Ronak Patel, general manager of Hearst Magazines’ Lifestyle Group. [WWD]
Tyra Banks Returns to Victoria’s Secret Runway
After confirming the return of its iconic runway show, Victoria’s Secret has also announced that former America’s Next Top Model judge Tyra Banks will make a comeback at the event. In a promotional video posted on the brand’s Instagram page, Gigi Hadid, who has walked in three previous shows, is seen strolling through a hotel before revealing the legendary model’s participation. The show is set to take place in New York City on October 15, 2024.
Interior Shuts Down
Interior, launched in 2021 by Jack Miner and Lily Miesmer, which quickly developed a cult following is unfortunately shutting down. The brand was part of Net-a-Porter’s Vanguard program and was sold at retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. Earlier this year, Interior was nominated for the Fashion Trust US and had its sights set on the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. However, despite these achievements, the brand faced significant challenges. Retail partners cited macroeconomic factors—such as economic instability and the upcoming election—alongside specific hurdles, including delays in fulfilling orders due to supply chain issues, which led to weakened sales in key categories. Miner noted that as an emerging brand “we are highly susceptible to any type of volatility. When the market experiences tremors, larger and medium-sized brands can sustain them in ways that we, as a smaller brand, cannot.” [Vogue]
Ganni Goes to Paris Fashion Week
Danish brand Ganni, known for typically debuting its collections during Copenhagen Fashion Week, will be making its way to Paris this season. After not participating in the last two seasons at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand will showcase its S/S 25 collection during Paris Fashion Week on September 24th. Laura du Rusquec, Ganni’s CEO who joined in April from Balenciaga, where she was deputy CEO, remarked, “Ganni has established itself globally, and as we enter our next chapter of growth, showcasing in Paris is a natural evolution for our brand equity and scale.” [WWD]
How The Cut’s Jessica Willis Shapes Visual Language
The digital era has ushered in a creative class privy to unconventional pathways and LA native Jessica Willis has steered the industry’s currants as a fashion editor, stylist, and a well-versed student of the internet. After a nonlinear start, she got her first opportunity at a costume shop outfitting Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour and afterward, worked as a touring stylist for The Black Eyed Peas. Now, as Fashion Director at The Cut she has styled celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Markle and Julianne Moore, shaping the publication’s fashion-forward identity. Models.com contributor Nia Shumake spoke with Willis on embracing a non traditional creative path, her process of building out magazine covers, and how to function in a high stakes, creative ecosystem. Click the link here to read the interview.
Set Designer Mila Taylor-Young on Incorporating Play Into Her Work
New York-based set designer, Mila Taylor-Young, would describe her work as makeshift and a bit rough around the edges. Having had a mother who did set design for theater, it was when she applied for an internship with Mary Howard that she accidentally fell into fashion’s version of the profession. Now working with publications such as Wall Street Journal, and high fashion brands like Chloe, Kenzo, and Calvin Klein, Taylor-Young seeks to explore as many avenues as possible. For this Behind The Image, discover the biggest challenges Taylor-Young has faced professionally, how she prefers to build sets, and who the one is to watch. Find the full interview here.
Model of the Week: With Her Memorable Walk, Nyakier Buong Stood out on the Margiela Runway
Model of the week is here! With her memorable walk, Nyakier Buong stood out at the Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024 show. Shot by Otto Masters, with styling by Ignacio de Tiedra, don’t miss this week’s interview to find out how Buong got her start. Click the link here to see the interview.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Study the Stars and the Runway
A new group of MDC Selects has arrived to Models.com. Find out their most irrational fears, a song they have on repeat, and how they got their start in the modeling industry. Click the link here for more info.
