Clare Waight Keller Joins British Fashion Council Executive Board
The British Fashion Council has announced the appointment of British designer Clare Waight Keller to its executive board, effective March 11. Waight Keller, who currently serves as creative director at Uniqlo, previously held creative leadership roles at Givenchy, Pringle of Scotland, and Chloé. Speaking on her appointment, Waight Keller said: “Supporting the next generation of British design talent and contributing to the future of our industry is a cause I care deeply about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the organization’s work with its members and the broader fashion community.” [BFC]
Clare Waight Keller (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage from Getty)
Adam Baidawi Is The new Global Editorial Director of GQ
Condé Nast has named Adam Baidawi as Global Editorial Director of GQ, effective immediately, placing him at the helm of the brand’s editorial vision and content strategy across its 12 owned and operated editions worldwide. His first print issue in the new role will be the September 2026 edition. Baidawi steps into the position after serving as Deputy Global Editorial Director of GQ and Head of Editorial Content at British GQ since 2021. During that time, he played a central role in aligning the brand’s international editions while driving editorial innovation and audience growth. In his expanded remit, he will also oversee Pitchfork, currently led by Mano Sundaresan, further consolidating Condé Nast’s editorial leadership across titles. Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast, said: “Adam makes perfect sense to lead GQ because he’s a writer and journalist first, a cultural thinker at a time when the culture needs to be thought through, and even interrogated a little. Having worked all over the world, he has a global sensibility, plenty of wit and style, and an easy collegiality with the editors he works with. This is someone GQ’s readers can expect to challenge received wisdom about modern masculinity and the worlds of celebrity, sport, and fashion, and have a lot of fun doing so.” [GQ]
eBay Acquires Depop
eBay Inc., the original e-commerce marketplace, has agreed to acquire Depop, the C2C fashion platform with a strong Gen Z and Millennial audience, for approximately $1.2 billion in cash. Depop, a mobile-first and community-driven marketplace focused on secondhand fashion, generated roughly $1 billion in annual gross merchandise volume last year and reported nearly 60 percent year-over-year growth in the U.S. Under eBay’s ownership, Depop is expected to benefit from the company’s global scale and operational capabilities, including financial services, shipping solutions, and its Authenticity Guarantee program. The acquisition is also intended to increase Depop’s inventory visibility through expanded distribution and cross-listing opportunities across eBay’s ecosystem. [WWD]
Pat McGrath Labs Secures $30 million in Funding
Pat McGrath Labs has secured $30 million in court-approved financing from investment firm GDA Luma, marking a critical milestone in the brand’s restructuring following its recent bankruptcy filing. The funding signals a formal recapitalization effort aimed at stabilizing operations and repositioning the business for long-term sustainability. GDA Luma, which specializes in distressed-for-control and special situations investments, has committed up to $10 million in new debtor-in-possession financing to support the company during the restructuring process. An additional commitment of at least $20 million in post-emergence working capital is intended to fund operations once the brand exits bankruptcy protection. Upon emergence, GDA Luma will assume a controlling equity stake in the company. Dame Pat McGrath will remain a significant equity holder and continue in her role as Chief Creative Officer, preserving what the company describes as “the artistic leadership and creative DNA that define the brand.” [BoF]
Supporting Makeup Artist Maki Ryoke Through Her Cancer Treatment
Veteran makeup artist Maki Ryoke will undergo surgery as part of her cancer treatment. While she is facing this with strength and determination, the medical costs, recovery time, and time away from work present a significant financial burden. As a freelance artist and working mother, taking time off means a loss of income, as well as hospital bills, treatment expenses, and post-surgery care. Her friends and family have come together to help cover surgery and hospital costs, ongoing cancer treatment, recovery and aftercare, as well as living expenses during her time away from work. You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Hair Stylist Matt Benns on Creating Structural Fantasies
New Zealand hairstylist Matt Benns got his start at 17, stepping into a salon before eventually moving to New York City to assist Jawara. “Being immersed in his process and surrounded by a community that championed risk and creative exploration changed everything for me,” he says. Fast forward, he’s now creating standout looks for pop icons like Charli xcx and Lorde, alongside top models including Joan Smalls, and brands and publications like Eckhaus Latta, Dazed, and The Pop Mag. Discover the full interview here.
NYFW Castings Ramped Up Age Diversity for F/W 26
New York Fashion Week F/W ’26 saw casting directors dig deeper into the archives, reviving runway presences from the late ’90s and early ’00s in a season defined by range and longevity. Models like Caroline Forsling, Sylvia van der Klooster, and Romae Gordon returned. As the fashion calendar shifts to London Fashion Week, the question remains: will this expanded perspective on experience continue? See the full story here.
A Fashion Week Guide to Three of New York’s Downtown Hotels
New York Fashion Week may have ended, but finding the right place to stay is still part of the equation. With no shortage of hotels in New York City, deciding where to book can feel like its own production. Models.com rounds up three downtown establishments to consider for your next NYFW visit. From the tucked-away charm of The Crosby Street Hotel, to the minimalist pulse of ModernHaus SoHo, to the 113-year-old Nine Orchard, steeped in Lower East Side history, each keeps you within effortless reach of the week’s shows, dinners, and after-hours moments. Click the link here for the full guide.
MDC Selects: These New Faces Were Discovered at Festivals, On Farms, and By Fate
Discovered at festivals, on farms, and by pure chance, this week’s MDC Selects proves there is no single path into modeling. With their unexpected scouting stories, get to know the faces shaping fashion’s future. Click the link here to read more.
Most Viewed Shows From NYFW F/W 26
The most viewed shows from New York F/W 26, as tracked by our global audience and verified industry professionals on Models.com, including art directors, casting directors, fashion stylists, editorial directors, and more. Stay tuned for the London numbers.
