Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Exit Proenza Schouler
Jack McCollough + Lazaro Hernandez, the creative duo behind Proenza Schouler, have announced they’re stepping down as the brand’s creative directors, effective January 31st. The pair are now working closely with Proenza Schouler CEO Shira Suveyke Snyder to find the right person to take the reins. Founded in 2002, Proenza Schouler became synonymous with contemporary womenswear. Speaking about their decision, Hernandez said, “The time feels right to make the personal decision to step down from our day-to-day leadership role at the company and hand over the creative reins to someone new.” While there’s no official confirmation, rumors are already swirling about their next move. Many speculate they could take over at Loewe, replacing Jonathan Anderson, who is rumored to be heading to Dior as its new creative director. [WWD]
Vogue France Taps Claire Thomson-Jonville as Head of Editorial Content
Claire Thomson-Jonville has been named Vogue France’s new head of editorial content, effective February 3rd, succeeding Eugénie Trochu, who exited in December. Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, shared, “Claire brings a depth of experience as a stylist, fashion editor, and journalist, and she has an incredibly exciting vision for Vogue France.” Claire’s career began during her time at Sorbonne University in Paris, where she met the founders of Self Service, Ezra Petronio and Suzanne Koller. This led to her first role in editorial and eventually to her appointment as editor-in-chief of Self Service in 2015. In 2020, she joined i-D France as editorial director, a role she held for four years. Outside of her editorial work, Claire has founded her own creative consultancy, CTJ Creative, and more recently, she launched Out of State, a holistic wellness retreat, in 2023. [WWD]
Oliviero Toscani Passes at 82
Oliviero Toscani, the celebrated photographer behind Benetton’s groundbreaking campaigns addressing social issues like AIDS and racism, passed away on January 13, 2025, at the Cecina Hospital in Tuscany. He was 82. Toscani had been battling amyloidosis, a rare condition that affects vital organs and nerves. His wife, Kirsti, announced his passing on Instagram, writing: “It is with great sorrow that we announce the news that today, 13 January 2025, our beloved Oliviero has embarked on his next journey.” Toscani revolutionized the way advertising intersected with social commentary. His career began with work for prestigious publications like Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar, where he captured iconic figures such as Andy Warhol, John Lennon, and Federico Fellini. However, it was his role as art director for Benetton from 1982 to 2000 that cemented his global reputation. At Benetton, Toscani used bold imagery to confront pressing social issues, sparking global conversations and often controversy. From images highlighting racial diversity to stark portrayals of the HIV/AIDS crisis, his campaigns pushed boundaries and challenged traditional advertising norms. Some ads were so provocative they were banned in various countries. In 2000, Toscani parted ways with Benetton following a dispute over a campaign featuring portraits of death row inmates under the tagline “Sentenced to Death.” Paying tribute, Benetton shared a heartfelt post on Instagram: “In order to explain certain things, words simply don’t suffice. You taught us that. And with that said, we’d like to pay tribute to you with a photo that you took for us many years ago, in 1989. Farewell, Oliviero. Keep on dreaming.” [ART News]
Tiffany & Co.x CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer Award
Tiffany & Co. and CFDA have joined forces to spotlight emerging talent committed to fostering inclusivity within the design industry. This partnership led to a program featuring ten designers from across the country, selected by a prestigious committee of industry insiders, including Bethann Hardison, Joan Smalls, Jason Wu, Jahleel Weaver, Frank Everett, Nathalie Verdeille, and Rajni Jacques. Guided by Tiffany’s renowned design team, the participants embarked on a multi-week experience, gaining invaluable mentorship and insight into the design world. At the program’s conclusion, Jameel Mohammed, founder of Khiry, was awarded the top honor: a $50,000 prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany’s design team. Mohammed, a former CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, launched his brand a decade ago while studying political science at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, Khiry has become synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing jewelry that marries high fashion with cultural storytelling. Mohammed’s work has adorned icons such as Michelle Obama, Megan Thee Stallion, Solange, SZA, Halle Berry, and Julianne Moore. [CFDA]
LA Relief Organizations
Paloma Elsesser is hosting a closet sale tomorrow in Brooklyn to support relief efforts for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to grassroots charities and mutual aid organizations assisting those affected. These wildfires have displaced countless families, with many forced to evacuate as flames continue to devastate communities across California.
For more details about her closet sale, click here. Below are additional organizations providing critical aid to those in need:
LA Clothing Drive
World Central Kitchen
International Medical Corps
Salvation Army
Pasadena Humane
Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery
Dior is Headed to Tokyo for Pre-Fall
Dior’s annual pre-fall collection is heading to Japan this year. The French fashion house announced that it will present the women’s collection, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, on April 15th in the garden of the historic Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto. Reflecting on Dior’s connection to Japan, Chiuri said, “In the early 1950s, Christian Dior began collaborating with a Kyoto-based silk workshop: he subsequently designed a series of looks for his haute couture collection which he cut in the precious Japanese textile.” Following the Kyoto showcase, Chiuri is set to debut her cruise collection for Dior in Rome on May 27th. [WWD]
Photographer Diego Bendezu on Celebrating Latin American Narratives
In this Behind The Image feature, photographer Diego Bendezu celebrates his Latin American heritage through a unique blend of storytelling and depth. His journey began at 10 years old in Peru when his parents gifted him a camera, sparking a passion that led him to FIT and collaborations with brands like Willy Chavarria, Vogue Latin America, and i-D Magazine after migrating to New York. In this exclusive interview with Models.com, he reflects on nostalgia, creative inspirations, and his dedication to uplifting Latin American and immigrant creative communities. Check out the interview here.
Model of the Week: Hot Lister Alice McGrath Got Her Start at J.W. Anderson
The year’s first Model of the Week, Alice McGrath, burst onto the scene as a semi-exclusive for J.W. Anderson and made waves by opening for Dior in Paris the same season. Discovered on Tik Tok and from Ireland, Alice turned her dream of modeling into reality and now graces the pages of Self-Service with her unique charm. Check out her interview here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Study Fashion In and Out of the Classroom
These rookies have studied fashion in and out of the classroom. Learn who studied fashion merchandising, who has an irrational fear of birds, and who comes from a small town here.
Don’t forget the new additions to the Top 50 and Hot List rankings!