Gian Paolo Barbieri Passes at 89
Gian Paolo Barbieri, a master of fashion photography whose work transformed the industry, has passed away at the age of 89 after a long illness. Born in Milan in 1935, Barbieri’s trailblazing vision defined a career that spanned decades and continues to inspire generations of creatives. Raised in a family of textile wholesalers, he first experimented with photography in his father’s warehouse, using stove pipes and light bulbs to explore the interplay of light and shadow. In 1960, Barbieri moved to Paris, where he assisted renowned Harper’s Bazaar photographer Tom Kublin. Two years later, he returned to Milan to open his first studio, embarking on a path that would see him work with the world’s most prestigious magazines, including Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, Vanity Fair, and GQ. Barbieri’s bold vision helped launch Vogue Italia with its very first cover and led to collaborations with legendary figures like Diana Vreeland, Yves Saint Laurent, and Richard Avedon. His lens captured the era’s top models—Naomi Campbell, Jerry Hall, Veruschka, and Eva Herzigová. Barbieri’s influence extended far beyond fashion. His work has been celebrated in exhibitions at the Palazzo Reale in Milan, MAMM in Moscow, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. His photographs are part of world-class collections, including the Pinault Collection and the Nicola Erni Collection, securing his place among the most important artists of the 20th century. A 2022 documentary, Gian Paolo Barbieri, l’uomo e la bellezza, delves into his life and artistic legacy, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the camera. His niece Giada, a board member of the Fondazione Gian Paolo Barbieri, which preserves and celebrates his work, reflected on his legacy in a heartfelt tribute, “Dear Uncle, you were like a second father to me, a precious guide who stood by me through so many moments of my life. Beyond moral values, you gifted me an immense aesthetic legacy, teaching me to look at the world with curious eyes filled with wonder. Your love, your teachings, and your memory will live on in me and in everyone fortunate enough to have known you. I will carry you with me always, Uncle. I will love you forever.”
Audrey Hepburn in Valentino, Roma 1969 | Courtesy Fondazione Gian Paolo Barbieri
Paris Provisional Calendars for January Are Out
The provisional calendars for men’s fashion and couture by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode have been unveiled. Between January 21st and 26th, 68 brands will present their Fall 2025 menswear collections, featuring 38 runway shows and 30 presentations. Immediately following the menswear season, from January 27th to 30th, 28 couture houses will bring their Spring 2025 visions to life. This season promises several headline moments as New York designer Willy Chavarria makes his Paris debut, while Jacquemus marks a triumphant return to the official schedule with a co-ed show. The week opens with Japanese brand Auralee and concludes with Peter Copping’s highly anticipated debut as Lanvin’s artistic director, signaling a fresh chapter for the historic house. On the couture side, Schiaparelli will launch the week on January 27th, with Alessandro Michele’s Valentino couture debut taking center stage on January 29th. That same evening, Ludovic de Saint Sernin will present his guest collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, bringing a contemporary edge to the storied house. Closing out the week are newcomers Miss Sohee and Germanier. [WWD]
Calvin Klein Returns to the Runway in February
With all the surprising movement overseas, New York will also have some heavy hitting shows with Veronica Leoni’s debut collection for Calvin Klein. After a six-and-a-half year hiatus, the brand, owned by PVH Corp will unveil its co-ed show at noon on February 7th as a major centerpiece on the NYFW calendar. “Calvin Klein is thrilled to return to the global stage at New York Fashion Week and unveil Veronica Leoni’s creative vision for the Calvin Klein Collection,” said Eva Serrano, Calvin Klein global brand president. “Veronica’s debut marks a new era of innovation and creativity, embracing a fresh vision for the brand while honoring its iconic heritage. We can’t wait to share it with the world.” [WWD]
Highsnobiety Taps Noah Johnson as its Editor-in-Chief
Highsnobiety is turning a new page with Noah Johnson as its editor-in-chief, where he will lead the charge across print and digital editorial. Highsnobiety founder and CEO David Fischer praised Johnson’s instinct, saying, “I have admired Noah’s ability to bring a fresh, smart and always spot-on perspective to style, culture, and storytelling for a number of years. He has an innate skill of honing in on the stories that one didn’t quite know needed to be told, and to tell them with depth and authenticity.” Alongside Johnson’s appointment, the Zalando-owned brand has unveiled more key leadership changes to fortify its presence across e-commerce, experiential programming, and consultancy. Caitlin LeRoux, previously VP of brand partnerships, takes the reins as SVP and GM of Highsnobiety North America, overseeing all U.S. commercial activities. Tom Lee, a familiar creative force who previously served as creative director from 2018 to 2021, returns as VP and head of creative. With their combined expertise, Johnson, LeRoux, and Lee are set to amplify Highsnobiety’s mission of bridging style, culture, and commerce. Based in the New York office, they officially begin their roles on January 6, 2025. [BoF]
Vera Wang Sells Brand to WHP Global
WHP Global, the New York-based brand management company, is set to acquire the Vera Wang fashion house, effective January 2025. A symbol of timeless elegance and bridal wear, Vera Wang will continue to serve as CEO and creative director while also becoming a shareholder in WHP Global.The acquisition adds Vera Wang to WHP Global’s growing portfolio of fashion brands, including Isaac Mizrahi, Rag & Bone, Joe’s Jeans, Anne Klein, and Express. “Vera Wang is a legend. Her name is synonymous with modernity, artistry, and impeccable style,” said Yehuda Shmidman, chairman and CEO of WHP Global. “We are honored to partner with Vera Wang and look forward to building on the brand’s remarkable legacy with new opportunities around the world.” Independently owned since its inception in 1990, the Vera Wang brand has redefined bridal wear and beyond, with annual sales exceeding $700 million. This partnership promises to unlock new horizons for one of fashion’s most enduring icons, blending her creative vision with WHP Global’s expansive reach. [BoF]
2024 Model of the Year Awards
Since 2014, the Models.com Model of the Year Awards has amplified the collective voices of hundreds of industry members, including top photographers, editors, stylists, beauty creatives, casting directors, and you — the fashion fans who help shape the industry’s pulse. This year, notable contributors such as Anita Bitton, Carlijn Jacobs,Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, Jawara, Katie Grand, Piergiorgio Del Moro, Tyler Mitchell, and many more joined the ranks, alongside over 13,000 public votes.
Model of the Year Winners:
Women+ Industry’s Vote: Alex Consani
Women+ Readers’ Choice: Anok Yai
Men+ Industry’s Vote: Leon Dame
Men+ Readers’ Choice: Hedi Ben Tekaya
Runner-ups:
Women+ Industry: Anok Yai; Readers: Alex Consani
Men+ Industry: Kit Butler; Readers: Mathieu Simoneau
Breakout Stars:
Women Industry’s Vote: Bibi Breslin
Women Readers’ Choice: Gabbriette
Men Industry and Readers’ Vote: Valentin Caron
Runner-Ups:
Women+ Industry’s Vote: Gabbriette
Readers’ Choice: Sascha Rajasalu
Men+ Industry’s Vote: Douta Sidibe
Readers’ Choice: Hamin Yu
Social Movers of the Year:
Industry’s Vote: Alex Consani
Readers’ Choice: Bella Hadid
Runners-up:
Industry: Quannah ChasingHorse; Readers: Alex Consani
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Models.com is proud to honor Gisele Bündchen with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a career that has reshaped the fashion landscape. Discovered at 14 in a Brazilian mall, Gisele rose to supermodel status, becoming the face of an era as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, gracing iconic films like The Devil Wears Prada, and championing sustainability as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. Bündchen’s legacy transcends fashion, embodying excellence, sustainability, and empowerment in an ever-evolving world. Her cultural impact, unmatched presence, and kindness continue to inspire generations, making her a fitting recipient of this prestigious honor.
Stylist Nell Kalonji on the Art of Storytelling in Fashion
In this edition of Behind The Image, Models.com speaks with London & Paris-based stylist Nell Kalonji. From her early love of fashion and costumes to landing her first break with a three-month internship at Dazed and eventually working full-time with Katie Shillingford, Kalonji has a portfolio that includes British Vogue, AnOther Magazine, and working with Shygirl. She shares with Models.com more on her career journey, the vision behind co-founding The Rubric Initiative, and the impact she hopes to leave. Find the full interview here.
Set Designer Nicholas des Jardins on Building Playful Worlds
In this last edition of Behind The Image for 2024, set designer Nicholas des Jardins brings abstract ideas to life with a fabrication-first approach from creating monster wrestling sets to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album cover. Hailing from the Virgin Islands, des Jardins shares his creative journey, the stories behind collaborations with Khaite and 032c, and his pick for who’s one to watch. Read the full interview here.
MDC Selects: These Model Rookies Have Big Time Ambitions
This week’s Models.com MDC Selects come from different parts of the world and are focused on making their dreams a reality. Learn about their family values, how they were discovered, and much more by clicking this link.
