Prada Is Set to Acquire Versace from Capri Holdings
It’s official: Prada is acquiring Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.25 billion, pending approval. Prada Group chairman and executive director Patrizio Bertelli said, “We are delighted to welcome Versace to the Prada Group and to build a new chapter for a brand with which we share a strong commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and heritage. We aim to continue Versace’s legacy celebrating and re-interpreting its bold and timeless aesthetic; at the same time, we will provide it with a strong platform, reinforced by years of ongoing investments and rooted in longstanding relationships. Our organization is ready and well positioned to write a new page in Versace’s history, drawing on the Group’s values while continuing to execute with confidence and rigorous focus.” After the U.S. Federal Trade Commission blocked the merger between Capri and Tapestry (owner of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman) in November, Capri shifted its focus back to its largest brand, Michael Kors, and is still looking for a buyer for Jimmy Choo. Capri, formerly Michael Kors Holdings, initially acquired Versace in January 2019 for over $2.1 billion. As Versace joins the Prada Group, Dario Vitale takes on the role of chief creative officer, while Donatella Versace steps down after 30 years as creative head, transitioning to brand ambassador. [Vogue Business]
Victoria’s Secret Taps Adam Selman
Victoria’s Secret has named Adam Selman as Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director, effective April 14. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the brand, further solidifying its commitment to innovative design and creative leadership. Selman is the first designer to hold this Executive Creative Director position at Victoria’s Secret. Raùl Martinez, who served as the creative director from December 2020 to January 2024, previously held the role. Selman, who left his position as Chief Design Officer for Savage x Fenty in January 2024, has also designed world tour costumes for Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. In his new role, Selman will oversee all creative, public relations, styling, fashion, and copy teams at Victoria’s Secret. “I’m deeply honoured to join Victoria’s Secret & Co at such a thrilling and pivotal moment in its evolution. VS&Co’s brands, with their rich heritage, have long been a source of inspiration in my professional journey. One of the many reasons I was drawn to this role is our shared belief that fashion is a powerful form of personal expression and cultural conversation.” [Vogue]
The Fashion Trust U.S. Awards
The Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS), the nonprofit supporting emerging design talent, unveiled its 2025 winners at its third annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. Hosted by Keke Palmer at The Lot at Formosa, the event recognized talent in categories such as ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, recent graduates, sustainability, and an inaugural Honorary Award. Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of Saint Laurent, was honored with the Honorary Award in recognition of his significant impact on fashion. The award was presented by Hailey Bieber, an ambassador for Saint Laurent and the founder of the beauty brand rhode. Rachel Scott of Diotima received the Ready-to-Wear Award, which included a grant and access to a mentorship program with FTUS and Google. Scott, who won the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Women’s Designer of the Year Award last year, was presented the award by Law Roach and Stephanie Horton, Senior Director of Marketing at Google Shopping. Dani Griffiths of Clyde received the Accessories Award, presented by Colman Domingo, while Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz of Beck took home the Jewelry Award, given by Ciara. Nana Kwame Adusei of Kwame Adusei won the Sustainability Award, presented by Kate Hudson. Patrick Taylor, a knitwear designer from Parsons School of Design, received the Graduate Award, which includes a grant from St. John.The award was presented by Lauren Parrish and Mandy West, brand executives at St. John.The total prize pool for the winners was $500,000 in grants, alongside professional mentorship from FTUS and Google Shopping. [WWD]
Lucy Markovic Passes
Lucy Markovic, who appeared on Australia’s Next Top Model and later walked the runway for Giorgio Armani and appeared in a Versace campaign, tragically passed away at the age of 27. Her agency, Elite Model Management, confirmed her death on Thursday, revealing that she had been battling a rare brain condition. A message confirming her passing was also shared on Markovic’s official Instagram stories, just hours after a post stated she was “battling for her life.” In a tribute shared on Instagram, Elite Model Management wrote, “Lucy was a bright shining light, and had an incredible dry sense of humor. Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her. She loved to dance, she really shined. Modeling was one of Lucy’s dreams, and we are deeply honored to have been part of that journey with her. She brought elegance, strength, and beauty to her work. But more than that, she brought herself—her warmth, her laughter, her light.” Markovic’s Australian agency, Kult Australia, also wrote a tribute on Instagram saying: “Today, we lost a star… She was radiant, warm and a beautiful soul.” Her Paris agency, Select Model Paris said, “Lucy was a beautiful, funny and courageous person who brought joy into everything she did. She was a beautiful soul inside and out. Lucy was so caring for everyone she met and had a real passion for life. Lucy is forever in our hearts and will not be forgotten.” We extend our deepest condolences and love to her family and friends. [CNN]
Zozo Acquires Lyst
In other news, Lyst, the London-based shopping platform, is set to be acquired by Zozo, Inc., a Japanese fashion e-commerce platform operator, for $154 million. The acquisition, advised by Rothschild & Co., is expected to close before the end of April 2025. Lyst ill continue to operate as a standalone business based in London, with Emma McFerran remaining as CEO. Zozo stated that the acquisition will strengthen its international expansion strategy, while Lyst’s brand authority and intelligence will be further strengthened by leveraging Zozo’s market leadership in Japan. McFerran said, “Our space is evolving fast, and we share a vision with Zozo to build a better, brighter future for the industry, using AI and technology. With Zozo’s scale, expertise, and support, Lyst will be in an even stronger position to reimagine fashion discovery online.” [WWD]
Model of the Week: Kyosuke Akiyoshi is an Ann Demeulemeester Favorite
Model of the Week Kyosuke Akiyoshi has already starred in campaigns for Louis Vuitton and walked for designers like Moschino and Ann Demeulemeester. Find more about his story with exclusive shots by Francesco Finizio here.
Bert Martirosyan on the Psychology of Casting
Drawn to faces from an early age, Bert Martirosyan never set out to become a casting director, but after seeing Jessica Stam grace covers and billboards, something clicked. Now casting for publications like Self Service, Vogue Korea, and The Travel Almanac, Martirosyan shares how his personal connections shape his work in fashion. In this Behind the Image feature, discover his unique scouting process, the biggest misconceptions about casting directors, and who he thinks is fashion’s next big breakout. Read the full interview here.
MDC Selects: Meet the New Faces Scaling Heights and Creating Communities
From Ethiopia to Los Angeles, Models.com brings you six new faces scaling heights and creating communities. To find out more about their start, hometowns, and interesting facts, click the link here.
