Last Updated on October 30, 2023, 12:47 pm
Ivan Bart, who pioneered diverse casting and inclusivity in the fashion world, passed away at 60.
Ivan Bart, the former president of IMG Models, who is credited with launching careers of successful models like Lauren Hutton, Carolyn Murphy, Stephanie Seymour, and Gigi and Bella Hadid, died after a brief illness over the weekend. He was 60 years old.
His death was confirmed with news posted on his official Instagram account with a black-and-white photo of him, with a caption that read, “Our world has lost one of the greats, Ivan Bart, 1963-2023.”
Lono Brazil, a model at IMG Models, has confirmed his death news through a Facebook post:
Who was Ivan Bart?
Ivan Bart was president of IMG Models. He was named president of the agency in 2014. Under his leadership, IMG Models has built the careers of many notable models like Hailey Bieber, Alton Mason, Wisdom Kaye, and many more.
In his career, he pioneered diversity and inclusivity in casting, breaking barriers for models like Alek Wek, Hari Nef, Precious Lee, Zach Miko, Paloma Elsesser, Chasinghorse, and Quannah.
He also advocated for plus-sized models. In 2014, the agency signed many plus-sized models after they had been dropped by Ford Models due to the closure of their plus-size division. This year, the agency’s plus-sized models, Jill Kortleve, Lee, and Elsesser, appeared on the April 2023 cover of British Vogue.
In a statement, Endeavor president and COO Mark Shapiro called Bart ‘a trailblazer in the fashion industry’. He said Bart changed the shape and face of the modeling industry from within. “His relentless pursuit for diversity and inclusion challenged fashion’s gatekeepers,” Shapiro said.
He advocated for diversity and inclusivity of all “size, race, age, backgrounds,” models to the former management team of Victoria’s Secret. “He was the voice before there was a voice. He was courageous. He saw beauty in all its form.”
Ivan Bart was named one of the businesses of Fashion’s 500- The people shaping the global fashion industry and served on boards of the Fashion Institute of Technology and Neuberger Museum of Art. He is survived by his husband, cinematographer Grant Greenberg.
What happened to Ivan Bart?
The details of his death have not been made public. Not much has been learned about the cause of death. We should all respect the family’s privacy and allow them the time to mourn him with respect.
The Fashion Industry mourns Ivan Bart
His sudden, unexpected death has shocked the entire fashion industry. Fashion designers, models, celebrity makeup artist, and hairstylists have expressed their shock and grief over the death of a beloved friend, mentor, and visionary. They have posted condolences and paid tribute to him on social media, including Hailey Bieber, who wrote, “Love you Ivan.” He certainly touched many lives with his remarkable life, and all those who loved him, will dearly feel his absence.
Obituary and Funeral
Ivan Bart’s family will release an obituary and provide details of his funeral at a later date. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Source: uptospeedjournalism.com
Copyright 2023 Uptospeed Journalism. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
