Chanel Names Bhavitha Mandava as House Ambassador
Chanel has tapped Bhavitha Mandava as a house ambassador, cementing her as an official muse of creative director Matthieu Blazy. Mandava was an exclusive at Chanel’s S/S 26 show and made history as the first Indian model to open a Chanel show, which she did for the Métiers d’Art collection in New York City last December & she most recently closed Blazy’s first ever Spring couture show. Mandava was studying for a master’s degree in integrated design and media at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering when she was scouted on the subway by 28Models. Two weeks later, she walked the runway for Bottega Veneta’s S/S 25 show and has been a muse for Blazy ever since. Blazy said, “Since we met, Bhavitha has never ceased to amaze me. Smart, down-to-earth, she emanates a sense of deep joy. We are happy she will be part of this chapter with us at Chanel.” [WWD]
Camper Taps Abraham Ortuño as Creative Director
Spanish footwear brand Camper has tapped Abraham Ortuno Perez as its new creative director. The designer will oversee creative direction across product and brand communication for both Camper and CamperLab, making his debut for F/W 27. Ortuño succeeds Achilles Ion Gabriel, who announced his exit from the brand in January after more than six years at the company. His last collection for Camper will be S/S 27. Miguel Fluxà, CEO of Camper said, “His deep understanding of footwear, combined with a strong cultural sensibility and international perspective, makes him the ideal person to guide Camper into its next phase.We believe his vision will strengthen our design identity while opening new creative territories. We are very excited to start this new chapter together.” [WWD]
Missoni Family Steps Back as FSI Becomes Controlling Shareholder
The Missoni family is stepping away from its equity stake in the brand, while private equity firm FSI is set to become the controlling shareholder with a 73 percent stake. Katjes International has signed an agreement, through its wholly owned subsidiary Katjes Quiet Luxury, to acquire approximately 27 percent of the Italian luxury brand. Katjes also holds a call option on FSI’s shares that could allow it to become the majority shareholder. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter. Angela Missoni, daughter of the late founders Tai and Rosita Missoni, previously served as president of the company, while her brother Luca oversaw special events and exhibitions. The family will continue to lead the Fondazione Ottavio e Rosita Missoni. Livio Proli, a Giorgio Armani veteran who joined Missoni in 2020, will stay on as chief executive officer, and Barnaba Ravanne, cofounder of FSI, will serve as president. [WWD]
Model of the Week: In a Year, Marylore Heck Became a Louis Vuitton Favorite
“Opening Louis Vuitton for my first show was definitely the most memorable and craziest experience,” says this week’s Model of the Week, Marylore Heck, who in a year has made herself a new face to watch. Learn about her discovery, what she has always wanted to try, and much more. Click the link here for the full interview.
Valentin Herfray on Channeling Andy Warhol in Today’s Image Culture
“I began shooting with an iPhone or GoPro in a very practical way, not as a statement, but because it gave me freedom,” says Valentin Herfray, our latest Models.com Behind the Image talent. The French photographer moved from studying graphic arts into photography, developing a playful, imaginative visual language influenced by Andy Warhol. Today, he has collaborated with cultural icons including Paris Hilton, Celine Dion, and Irina Shayk, as well as fashion houses such as Chanel Marc Jacobs, and Balenciaga. In conversation, he reflects on what continues to excite him about image-making, his perspective on AI, and the new talent currently on his radar. Read the full interview here.
MDC Selects: These Rookies Were Discovered by Fate, Curiousity, and Social Media
These rookies were discovered by fate, curiosity, and social media. Learn more about their passions in Greek mythology, skateboarding, and sewing. Click the link here for the full interview.
Courrèges F/W 26 is for the Woman on the Go
From morning commutes to late-night adventures, Courrèges unveils its F/W 26 collection for the woman on the go. Inspired by Chantal Akerman’s film Portrait of a Young Girl at the End of the ’60s in Brussels, Nicolas Di Felice leans into sharp geometry and sensuality. Go backstage with Sonny Vandevelde as he captures top models, new faces, and supers here.
And don’t forget all the Paris Fashion Week content from Day In the Life’s with Sofia Subramaniam at Vaquera, Cheng Xu at Matières Fécales, Farida Ebene at Dries Van Noten, Micklate Macobola at Stella McCartney, and a runway spotlight at Alaïa.
