Image courtesy of luxusplus.com
Does Anna Wintour need another job? Well, apparently Condé Nast thinks so.
At Condé Nast, Wintour already holds several titles—editor-in-chief of Vogue US, artistic director and global content advisor, as well as chief content officer. A heavy load indeed, but it appears that Wintour is up to the task as she has acquired more duties.
In addition to all these titles and responsibilities, Wintour will take on the role of global editorial director of Vogue. Wintour’s expanded responsibilities come on the heels of Condé Nast’s efforts to overhaul its publishing empire and organize itself for the digital age. All these efforts coincide with Condé Nast’s attempts to stay profitable, resulting in the company merging Condé Nast and Condé Nast International in 2018.
As with most companies, the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt the publishing giant’s finances. The pandemic forced Condé Nast to lay off and furlough hundreds of workers.
By unifying editorial teams, Condé Nast will be able to create the best version of each global story and customize each story for individual markets. This global consolidation includes promoting Edward Enninful to European global editorial director, which includes the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain Vogue publications, Simone Marchetti to global editorial director of Vanity Fair, and Will Welch as global editorial director of GQ.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
Diversity rules in Vogue US’ January issue
Anna Wintour is not the only one feeling Condé Nast’s expansiveness. The January issue of Vogue US is expanding to include a plus-size model on its cover.
Paloma Elsesser will grace the cover of Vogue US’ January cover. The size 14 IMG model was photographed by Annie Liebovitz and styled in a Michael Kors dress by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. This is the first time a black woman has styled a cover for Vogue US.
“When a size 14 person like myself says no to doing a show, they may not put anyone larger in that show—therefore that sample doesn’t go into the editorial season; other girls my size don’t get shot in looks that aren’t lingerie or a jacket; there’s a whole cycle happening,” says Elsesser, as reported in fashionweekly.com. “My participation isn’t just about me.”
Pat McGrath, Elsesser’s mentor, had some great things to say about the plus-size model. “There’s something cinematic about Paloma. She’s a modern Dorothy Dandridge or Lena Horne or Rita Hayworth. Her face, her body, and her mind are beautiful—and she has a wonderful personality brimming with fun and joy.”
And this first cover styling by a black stylist did not go unnoticed. Gabriella Karefa-Johnson commented on this incredible opportunity, “This is a dream I didn’t know if I’d realize and I’m just so proud of myself, and proud of @palomija, and proud of @iam_thechong, and proud of @okjanelle, and happy for the little black girls who can go to the newsstand and buy the world’s most powerful fashion magazine and see themselves on the cover and in the creative team that brought it to life. This is the first Vogue cover styled by a black woman. This is my first Vogue cover. It was shot by Annie Leibovitz and that’s just about the wildest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Image courtesy of OK! Magazine
Jean-Luc Brunel detained
The Jeffrey Epstein chronicles continue. Though Epstein committed suicide in prison in August of 2019, the scandal around his sexual assault and rape cases continue.
Top French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel has been detained in Paris on accusations of sex crimes which include rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault of minors. He was detained on Wednesday at Charles de Gaulle airport on his way to Senegal. Brunel was an ex-associate of Jeffrey Epstein and has been linked to Epstein web of sexual violence and rape.
Brunel was accused in American courts for procuring young girls for Epstein’s sexual abuse. “The victims have long awaited the arrest of Jean-Luc Brunel. They welcome his detention with relief and with confidence in the legal process,” said lawyer Anne-Claire Lejeune, who represents several victims, as reported in fashionnetwork.com. “This is huge news. I am crying with joy,” said Thysia Huisman, a former Dutch model who says she was “drugged and raped” by Brunel at the age of 18.
Brunel’s detention at the Charles de Gaulle airport ends of scrutiny about Brunel whereabouts. Although Brunel’s lawyers in 2019 denied Brunel association or involvement with Epstein sex crimes, Brunel was never available for questioning.
Jean-Luc Brunel was the founder of the famed Karin Models.
—William S. Gooch
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