Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn Wins The 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
Just after winning the Emerging Designer of the Year honor at the CFDA Fashion Awards, Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn has earned another major recognition as the newly announced winner of the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The news was revealed by Alex Consani at a dinner hosted by Isha Ambani and Zac Posen, alongside Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Chloe Malle. Park will receive $300,000 and a mentorship with an industry expert to help further develop her label, which she founded in 2020. This was her second time applying for the Fund. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “This brand was discovered quite in the early stage. I was super lucky because I was doubting myself: I’m not too young, I’m not an emerging designer, and my background is pattern-making.” The runners-up are Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome, and California native Julian Louie of menswear label Aubero, who first entered the fashion world in 2009. They will each receive $100,000 grants to support their respective projects. [WWD]
Balmain Taps Antonin Tron as Creative Director
Balmain has tapped Antonin Tron as its new creative director. The French designer, who entered the fashion scene in 2016 when he founded his label Atlein, will present his first collection for Balmain in March for the F/W 2026 season and will dedicate himself exclusively to the house. The news follows Olivier Rousteing’s departure earlier this month after a 14-year tenure, one of the longest in recent fashion history. Tron said, “I wish to express my gratitude to Olivier Rousteing for building Balmain into the global brand it is today. Balmain has a truly inspiring history. At its heart, the house embodies savoir-faire, culture, sensuality, and elegance – fashion that is radiant, precise, and bold. This resonates deeply with me, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build on this incredible legacy. [WWD]
Ludovic de Saint Sernin is Collaborating with Zara
After designing a chair for Zara’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Paris-based designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin has unveiled a new collaboration with the brand: a collection of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and beauty products launching globally on November 17. The collection draws heavy inspiration from New York City and features leather pieces, trench coats, wool coats, minidress, bralettes, and pants adorned with dotted studs. Other highlights include metal mesh dresses, halter-neck and logo tank tops, along with accessories such as studded belts and gloves. The beauty products range from lip glosses, foundations, and mascaras to eye patches and skincare essentials. To mark the launch, a dedicated campaign and video directed by Gordon von Steiner features Alex Consani, Amelia Gray, Awwal Adeoti, Jacoby Sorapuru, and Joey Phillips, with de Saint Sernin himself photographed in Downtown Manhattan.
Joey Phillips, Amelia Gray, Alex Consani, and Awwal Adeoti | Image courtesy of Zara
The Latin American 2025 Fashion Awards
The Latin American Fashion Awards returned for their second edition at the historic Altos de Chavón Amphitheater in La Romana, Dominican Republic, spotlighting the region’s creative excellence on a global stage. Donatella Versace led this year’s jury, joined by Karla Martinez de Salas, Vivian Sotocorno, Steven Kolb, Carlo Capasa, Alessia Glaviano, Carmen Busquets, Gabriela Hearst, and Anna Dello Russo. Hosted by Becky G and Luis Gerardo Méndez, the ceremony featured performances by Luísa Sonza and Elena Rose as honors were presented across 17 categories. Headline awards went to Maluma as Fashion Icon of the Year and Willy Chavarria as Designer of the Year. Patricio Campillo of Campillo was named Emerging Designer of the Year, while Raul Lopez of Luar received the inaugural Carmen Busquets Couture Prize, which includes a $50,000 grant and mentorship. Other honorees included Agua by Agua Bendita for Brand of the Year; Paloma Elsesser as Model of the Year; and Renell Medrano as Photographer of the Year. Creative category winners also featured Yadim for Hair and Makeup Artist of the Year, Maika Mano for Fashion Stylist of the Year, and Silvana Trevale as Emerging Fashion Photographer of the Year. Helena Gualinga was recognized as Fashion Impact Leader, with Laura Tobón named Fashion Influencer of the Year. Rounding out the night, The New Denim Project earned Responsible Project of the Year; J. Salinas won Artisanal Project of the Year; Laura Citarella received Fashion Film of the Year; Sauer was named Accessories Brand of the Year; and Juanel Hernandez was honored as Dominican Republic Local Star of the Year. [Vogue]
Mount Nelson and CxC Spotlight Africa’s Designers and Artisans
Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town once again opened collaborated with CONFECTIONS x COLLECTIONS (CxC) for the fourth edition. Past guest designers have included Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi, and Lagos Space Programme. Over three days, CxC celebrated slow fashion, culinary artistry and craftsmanship, showcasing collections by designers like Yoshita1967, C O N N A D E, Azzedine Alaïa Foundation x Orveda Prize winner UNI FORM, and CxC alumni MAXHOSA. Brand Director of Belmond Southern Africa, Jonathan Lubala said, “This year’s edition honours Africa’s timeless fashion legacy, a legacy that has long nurtured cultural exchange, connecting kingdoms and generations. Our Homecoming represents more than a theme, it’s about returning to what grounds us: our culture, creativity and community.”
Yoshita1967 + UNI FORM collections by Candice Bodington | Image courtesy of Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town
Peter Do Launches First-Ever Pop-Up for PD-168
Peter Do is opening the doors to his first brick-and-mortar pop-up for his new unisex brand PD-168. Located at 500 West 22nd Street in New York, the store will give Do’s community and customers the opportunity to shop the debut collection, which launched exclusively on the brand’s e-commerce site in September. Following a VIP preview on Friday and a public opening on Saturday, the pop-up will be open this weekend and next from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “It’s meant to cater to a very specific purpose of uniform dressing, whatever that means for all walks of life, from the creative industry to athletes to corporations, airlines and restaurants,” Do said. “The goal is to eventually have different dialogues with different institutions, companies or agencies that need a uniform that’s a little bit more special but still functional.” The collection includes athletic drawstring pants and shorts, sweatshirts and T-shirts, an asymmetric pleated skirt, tailored blazers, and leather footwear, including boots and a lace-up loafer. Prices range from $110 for racer-back tanks up to $850 for boots, the liquid satin padded jacket, and the tailored coat. All pieces are offered in genderless sizing from XS to XXL. [WWD]
Model of the Week: Santiago Rivata Just Debuted at Dario Vitale’s Versace
This week’s Model of the Week is Santiago Rivata who was discovered after walking down the beach in Brazil and never thought of being a model. Debuting with Versace in Milan this season, Santiago begins a modeling career with top bookings. Learn more about his journey and more here.
Emi Kaneko Knows Skin Is the Ultimate Beauty Statement
LA-born makeup artist Emi Kaneko speaks to Models.com for Behind the Image. Known for her polished, skin-first approach, Kaneko’s fascination with beauty began early, inspired by her mother’s daily makeup ritual. After moving to New York, she saw her love of fashion and beauty take shape behind the scenes. Now working with stars like Emily Ratajkowski, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Greta Lee, she’s brought her refined touch to British Vogue, Calvin Klein, and Proenza Schouler. Discover her creative process, biggest challenges, and what continues to inspire her, only on Models.com.
George Trochopoulos On Pacing Success In Fashion’s Race
Fresh off showing his latest collection through private London Fashion Week appointments, George Trochopoulos invites Models.com into the world he’s building from his London apartment-studio, with walls lined with campaign imagery and ideas in motion. Known for reimagining knitwear into vibrant, body-conscious forms that defy expectation, Trochopoulos’ work sits at the intersection of comfort and sensuality. Loved by Dua Lipa, SZA, Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Anok Yai, his designs have found their natural home on red carpets around the world. In conversation with contributor Greg Emmanuel, the designer reflects on pacing success and shaping an independent brand on his own terms. Find the full interview here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Know All About Science and Serving Face
These rookies know all about the science of serving face. Learn who collects postcards everywhere they go, who was scouted at 15 on Instagram, and who’s an undergraduate of Natural Science at the University of Cambridge. Read all their answers here.
