It has long been clear that Condé Nast, the global publishing powerhouse behind Vogue, is undergoing major restructuring across its international titles. Alongside high-profile leadership changes, including the promotion of Anna Wintour and Edward Enninful, the company also marked the end of an era by parting ways with longtime Vogue Paris editor Emmanuelle Alt. These shifts signal a broader transformation not just within fashion media, but across the entire creative ecosystem that connects designers, models, and the global modeling industry.
Following months of speculation, it has now been officially confirmed that Vogue Paris will be renamed Vogue France, a change that comes directly after the magazine’s historic 100th anniversary issue. The first edition under the new title launches in November and features Aya Nakamura on the cover. The French-Malaysian artist, whose hit Djadja gained international acclaim, is described by the magazine as a “new generation French icon.” Her selection reflects how fashion publications increasingly spotlight cultural figures who resonate with younger audiences, much like how a model agency today looks beyond traditional runway appeal to discover talent with global influence.
Meanwhile, the runway itself continues to evolve. Gucci’s Love Parade show in Hollywood blurred the line between cinema, celebrity, and high fashion. Actor Jared Leto, fresh off buzz surrounding House of Gucci, walked alongside other familiar faces, reinforcing how brands now cast beyond traditional models to generate cultural impact. Macaulay Culkin’s appearance further highlighted how modern fashion shows embrace unexpected narratives, expanding the definition of modeling and who can command a runway moment.
Technology is also reshaping fashion’s future. Nike’s move to trademark iconic symbols such as the Swoosh, Jumpman, and “Just Do It” for use in virtual worlds underscores how brands are preparing for the metaverse. From virtual sneakers to NFTs sold by high-profile models like Emily Ratajkowski and Cara Delevingne, digital fashion is creating new opportunities not only for designers, but also for model agencies adapting to campaigns that exist entirely online.
Creativity remains at the heart of these shifts. Balenciaga’s latest Crocs collaboration, masterminded by Swedish artist Anna Uddeberg, merges art, sustainability, and fashion. Using upcycled materials to create sculptural forms, the campaign challenges conventional beauty standards—an approach increasingly mirrored by model agencies seeking diverse models who can embody conceptual storytelling rather than just traditional aesthetics.
Rounding out the year, Louis Vuitton’s pop-up library at Paris’ Brach hotel offers a quieter, yet equally powerful, statement. By revisiting its City Guide, Travel Book, and Fashion Eye series, the house celebrates storytelling and global exploration—values that continue to inspire designers, models, and creatives alike. Together, these moments illustrate an industry in motion, where fashion media, modeling, and innovation are deeply intertwined in shaping what comes next.
