Kim Jones Exits Fendi
After four years, Kim Jones is stepping down as Artistic Director of Fendi Womenswear, though he will continue in his role as Artistic Director of the men’s collections at Dior. LVMH praised his time at the helm, stating, “Kim Jones made significant contributions to the brand’s creative legacy, seamlessly integrating his modern and cross-cultural aesthetics with Fendi’s historical heritage. Under his leadership, the maison reinvented its ready-to-wear and couture collections, offering an inclusive and innovative approach to fashion that constantly renewed Fendi’s Italian codes. Throughout his four years, Jones’ work was wholly guided by passion and creativity.” During his tenure, Jones often drew inspiration from the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, who designed for Fendi from 1965 until his death in 2019. Collaborating closely with heiress Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of accessories and menswear, and her daughter Delfina Delettrez, Jewelry Creative Director, Jones’ creative partnerships at Fendi were integral to his vision with Delfina, in particular, as a key muse for him. No successor has been named yet, but according to WWD, Fendi has recently been in talks with designers like Pierpaolo Piccioli, former Creative Director of Valentino. Jones’ departure leaves the industry speculating who will take over the role, adding to the list of high-profile openings in luxury fashion. [WWD]
The 2025 Met Gala Theme Has Been Announced
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute has announced the theme for its upcoming exhibition on the first Monday in May, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The exhibit will focus on the Black Dandy as a central figure, exploring the importance of clothing and style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora. The theme draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Historically, the term “dandy” has described someone—often a man—highly devoted to style and using it as a disciplined form of self-expression. The exhibition will trace the story of the Black Dandy over time, featuring a diverse collection of media, including garments, accessories, drawings, prints, paintings, photographs, and film excerpts. This exhibit will be the first since 2003 to focus entirely on menswear. The co-chairs for the event will include Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, with Lebron James as an honorary co-chair. Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, shared that the co-chairs are “men who aren’t afraid to take risks with their self-presentation. They take advantage of classic forms, but they also remix them and break them down in really new ways.” [Vogue]
Victoria’s Secret Taps Joseph Altuzarra
The Victoria’s Secret show returns next Tuesday for the first time in six years, this time live and streaming. The brand has announced New York designer Joseph Altuzarra as its “designer in residence.” According to Vogue, Altuzarra will create a series of ready-to-wear collections aimed at “fully developing a complete wardrobe for the Victoria’s Secret customer.” His first pieces will debut on the runway next week, styled by Emmanuelle Alt, with the rest of the collection set to be released throughout 2025. [Vogue]
Mytheresa Acquires Net-a-Porter Group
Mytheresa is set to acquire 100% of Yoox Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP) from Richemont, aiming to create a €4 billion online powerhouse in the luxury fashion sector. According to WWD, Richemont is selling YNAP to Mytheresa, which will take over the company with a cash balance of €555 million and no financial debt. In return, Richemont will receive shares in Mytheresa. In addition, Richemont is providing a six-year revolving credit facility of €100 million to support YNAP’s general corporate needs, including working capital. As part of the deal, Mytheresa will hand Richemont shares representing 33% of its fully diluted share capital. Richemont will also secure the right to nominate one board member and an observer to Mytheresa’s board following the close of the deal, expected in the first half of 2025. News of the acquisition boosted Mytheresa’s shares by nearly 57%, closing at $6.76 on the New York Stock Exchange. While mytheresa, Net-A-Porter, and Mr Porter will remain distinct businesses, their combined gross merchandise value will reach approximately €3 billion, solidifying their position as major players in the luxury e-commerce space. [WWD]
Gucci’s New CEO
Gucci has appointed Stefano Cantino as its new CEO, effective January 1st. He will succeed Jean-François Palu, who also served as the brand’s president, and will report to Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO. Cantino, who joined Gucci in May as deputy CEO, will also take a seat on Kering’s executive committee. With over 22 years of experience at Prada, Cantino held various roles in business development, merchandising, and marketing, working closely with Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada. In 2018, he joined Louis Vuitton as senior vice president of communications, where he played a key role in navigating the company through pivotal moments such as the death of Virgil Abloh, the transition to Pietro Beccari as CEO, and the appointment of Pharrell Williams as Abloh’s successor. [WWD]
Top Newcomers S/S 25
Whether it was new debuts, departures from storied houses, or rumors that became reality, the seismic shifts in fashion this season were as major as they were numerous and it feels like there will still be tremors to come. The Spring/Summer 2025 season dealt with the moves in real time, unleashing a new set of newcomers and breakouts that achieved bookings at shows as far-flung as Alaïa at the Guggenheim to Coperni at Disney World Paris. While it was rare to see models do the full circuit (will those glory days return?), these up-and-comers snagged more opening and closing slots than the usual mark, with many rolling out their season in Milan with top shows like Prada, Versace, and Gucci. As coming inclusivity reports will undeniably highlight the subsequent lack of size inclusive runway representation, it also felt like déjà vu as casting directors turned to support the many familiar faces of our previous Top Newcomers lists. Models.com kept tabs on all the major runway achievements then selected our official list, and asked a selection of the industry’s most influential creatives to weigh in on the S/S 25 new faces they are keeping an eye on. Follow along the Models.com list for Top Newcomers and Top Breakouts here.
For Anna Trevelyan, Fashion Is Better As Fantasy
Fashion stylist and consultant Anna Trevelyan has never shirked away from expressing herself. With a career built on fearless creativity, she’s crafted unforgettable looks for Elle, V Magazine, and more collaborating with icons like Nick Knight and David LaChapelle. From being discovered by Nicola Formichetti on MySpace to assisting him with styling Lady Gaga, she’s played a pivotal role in shaping pop culture. Now balancing motherhood with her visionary career, Models.com spoke with the stylist to discuss the Gaga years, memorable moments working with stars, and embracing boundary-pushing style in front and behind the camera. Check out the interview here.
MDC Selects: Fresh Off the Runway, These Rookies Are Ready for Their Spotlight
Meet the six new faces who believe in the power of creating your own happiness, think butterflies are just moths with pretty privilege, and love to crotchet. Check out their answers here.
