Akon Changkou Covers Numéro 246 in 'Chrysalide' Lensed by Kenny Germé

Akon Changkou Covers Numéro 246 in 'Chrysalide' Lensed by Kenny Germé

Model Akon Changkou is styled by Edem Dossou in ‘Chrysalide’, a spring awakening fashion story inspired by nature. Brands include Blumarine, Calzadonia, Diesel, Dior paired with Cartier jewelry, Louis Vuitton cover with Cartier, Maison Margiela and more.

Photographer Kenny Germé [IG] captures Akon for Numéro 246 April 2024.

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Ralph Lauren Holiday 2023 Campaign Asks Us to Dream Again and to Share Love

Ralph Lauren Holiday 2023 Campaign Asks Us to Dream Again and to Share Love

Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Purple releases its Holiday 2023 campaign with a focus on sophistication and ‘heart’.

Models include Akon Changkou, Caroline Trentini, Felice Nova Noordhoff, Juhyung Kang and Charles Oduro lensed by Steven Pan [IG].

Ralph Lauren is forever family and community-focused, saying “The holidays hold a certain sort of magic that can’t be captured—only felt within your heart. It is a season of warmth, reflection, and comfort that inspires you to dream of the best things in life and share them with people you love.”

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Tyler Mitchell Captures Black Beauty Fall 2023 W Magazine | Aid to Morocco

Tyler Mitchell Captures Black Beauty Fall 2023 W Magazine | Aid to Morocco

Models Ajah Angau Jok, Akon Changkou, Amar Akway, Awar Odhiang, Nyawurh Chuol, and Rejoice Chuol pose in dramatic, shape-shifting, fashion formations created to command attention.

Photographer Tyler Mitchell [IG]gives thanks to EIC Sara Moonves, [IG] and Charles Levai and Kevin Tekinel, creative directors at large for W Magazine and now represented by Art + Commerce. Congrats to Levai and Tekinel on their fast rise./ Hair by Cyndia Harvey; makeup by Lucia Pica; set design by Julia Wagner

Our Deep Sadness for Morocco and Libya

AOC likes the fact that Tyler uses the words “Communion in an everlasting landscape” to describe the W fashion shoot. Except “everlasting” seems like an increasingly fragile word today.

Because Tyler set the mood, let us take a moment to consider the confirmed dead in Libya of 5,000 and heading as high as 10,000 in the devastating surge of floodwaters.

And also the growing death toll in our beloved Marrakech — a magical place that means so much to so many of us creatives. The current death toll is at 3,000 and climbing from the earthquake.

AOC shares Vogue Arabia ‘How to Help Morocco’ links. We are working on Arab-world recommended links for Libya. ~ Anne

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Ulla Johnson Opens West Hollywood Kelly Wearstler-Designed Global Vibe Store

Ulla Johnson Opens West Hollywood Kelly Wearstler-Designed Global Vibe Store

Designer Ulla Johnson grew up in Manhattan but lived also ‘on the road’ as the daughter of archaelogists.

AOC immediately wants to know if Ulla traveled to the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, a paleoanthropological site located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province.

How about the Lake Turkana region of today’s Kenya, where the Leakey family discovered Lucy. Better yet, has Ulla Johnson been to the Omo Valley? Her clothes suggest ‘yes’.

As a mother to Soren, now 17; Asher, 13; Agnes, 11 and a vizsla named Daphne, and wife to Zach Miner, Ulla Johnson has travelled her own road out of Brooklyn and now to the opening of new store in West Hollywood.

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Nadine Ijewere Captures 'Eternal Sunshine' Hothouse Style for Vogue US April 2023

Nadine Ijewere Captures 'Eternal Sunshine' Hothouse Style for Vogue US April 2023

Photographer Nadine Ijewere [IG] captures cultural creatives, art-inspired fashion at its hot-weather best for the April 2023 issue of American Vogue.

Models Akon Changkou, América González & Kai Newman step into the sunlight, styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson in island-bliss beauty. ‘Eternal Sunshine’ is a fashion feast for hungry eyes./ Hair by Joey George; makeup by Yumi Lee

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Etro Unveils 'Eden of Etropia' Spring 2023 Campaign Lensed by Zhong Lin

Etro Unveils 'Eden of Etropia' Spring 2023 Campaign Lensed by Zhong Lin

Etro unveils ‘Eden of Etropia’, the first campaign for new creative director Marco De Vincenzo celebrating the spring 2023 collection.

Not only is the campaign beautiful on a visceral level. It drives a dagger [literally in the video] into the apple and a search for the truth of women’s identity.

Inspired by the paintings and portraits of the Pre-Raphaelites, Marco De Vincenzo communicates his poetic vision, creating a new paradise centered around the apple, the iconic fruit of the collection and a potent symbol of love, seduction and eternity.

That’s great copy. But the truth is also that the word ‘malus’ besides being Latin for ‘apple’ is also a very negative word associated with bad, evil and wicked. From a religious perspective the apple reference with Eve didn’t even appear in versions of the New Testament until 500 AD.

I wrote about this discovery after watching a PBS show ‘Mysteries of the Garden of Eden’, first released in 2007. The documentary will be purchased before sundown at whatever price.

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‘Chanel 2022: 31 Cambon - Dakar' by Malick Bodian with Akon, Jill, Kathia, Mariam, Maty

‘Chanel 2022: 31 Cambon - Dakar' by Malick Bodian with Akon, Jill, Kathia, Mariam, Maty

Photographer [today] and model Malick Bodian [IG] continues his work with Chanel in this presentation ‘Chanel 2022: 31 Cambon - Dakar. Jenke Ahmed Tailly styles a model cast that includes Akon Changkou, Jill Kortlieve, Kathia Ndong, Mariam de Vinzelle and Maty Fall. / Hair by Cyndia Harvey; makeup by Ammy Drammeh

Select images come from a pre-show image shoot in Paris, with the majority being shot in Dakar — as the name ‘Chanel 2022: 31 Cambon - Dakar suggests.

Ib Kamara did work with Bodian in Paris.

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'Play On' by Campbell Addy in Vogue US and UK with Achenrin, Akon, Maty and Nyagua

'Play On' by Campbell Addy in Vogue US and UK with Achenrin, Akon, Maty and Nyagua

American Vogue’s November issue, headlined by Michaela Coel, rolls into a sport-infused fashion story ‘Play On!’. Gabriella Karefa-Johnson styles Achenrin Madit, Akon Changkou, Maty Fall and Nyagua Ruea in varsity style casual clothes — heels aside — lensed by Campbell Addy [IG].

Exhibition: Photographer Campbell Addy has beautiful work on view in London until November 6, 2022 at 180 The Strand. The art show Major — New School celebrates the community and collabortators attached to this VERY interesting London destination. Malick Bodian, who shot the Michaela Coel, cover story for Vogue November also has work in the show, along with Ibrahim Kamara and many other top creatives.

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Akon Changkou, Mona Tougaard, Vittoria Ceretti in Chanel Makeup FW 2022 by Tim Elkaim

Akon Changkou, Mona Tougaard, Vittoria Ceretti in Chanel Makeup FW 2022 by Tim Elkaim

Models Akon Changkou, Mona Tougaard and Vittoria Ceretti pose in Chanel styled by Charlote Collet for the Chanel Makeup Fall-Winter 2022 Collection. Photographer Tim Elkaim [IG] captures the trio with hair by Ramona Eschbach and makeup by Christine Corbel.

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Louis Vuitton FW 2022 Campaign Hugs LV's Top 10 Status on Kantar BrandZ Ranking

Louis Vuitton FW 2022 Campaign Hugs LV's Top 10 Status on Kantar BrandZ Ranking

Norwegian actor and friend of the House Renate Reinsve, star of the critically-acclaimedThe Worst Person in the World’, headlines the new Louis Vuitton campaign that also includes Akon Changkou, Elio Berenett, Ida Heiner, Kristine Lindseth, Qisi Feng, and Tida Rosvall.

Louis Vuitton has risen into the top 10 global brands on the Kantar Branz Most Valuable Global Brands 2022 report, joining the ranks of Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and other global mega brands not associated with the fashion industry.

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Louis Vuitton Summer 2022 Stardust Collection Honors Night Skies

Louis Vuitton Summer 2022 Stardust Collection Honors Night Skies

Louis Vuitton [IG] shares the Summer 2022 Stardust collection, a color-rich tribute to the season’s night skies with its distinctive star-scattered motif.

This playful summer-ease fashion shoot in classic, beach-club colors of navy and kelly-green features models Akon Changkou, Ida Heiner, Jade Nguyen and Kristine Lindseth.

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Ethan James Green Spotlights Louis Vuitton's Spring in the City 2022 Collection

Ethan James Green Spotlights Louis Vuitton's Spring in the City 2022 Collection

Models Akon Changkou, Ashley Radjarame, Grace Valentine, Jade Nguyen and Mona Tougaard sync up with Louis Vuitton’s Spring in the City 2022 collection, lensed by Ethan James Green [IG]. Showcasing the LV Circle logo, the Spring in the City collection introduces new bags that mix smooth leather and raffia. / Hair by Damien Boissinot; makeup by Pat McGrath

The new styles are strong on neutrals and gradient pastels, generating plenty of welcome zen mood in our turbulent times.

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Africa's Black Beauty in a New World by Rafael Pavarotti for Vogue UK February 2022

Africa's Black Beauty in a New World by Rafael Pavarotti for Vogue UK February 2022

We share the entire fashion story ‘As the World Turns’, completing a visual narrative of a celebratory moment in which the February 2022 issue of British Vogue features nine first-generation, African origins models in a first-ever, fashion cover statement.

Models include Abény Nhial, Adut Akech, Akon Changkou, Amar Akway, Anok Yai, Janet Jumbo, Majesty Amare, Maty Fall, and Nyagua Ruea,

British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful styled the shoot and originated the concept behind the fashion story, surely in collaboration with photographer Rafael Pavarotti [IG] . / Hair by Virginie Moreira; makeup by Ammy Drammeh

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Versace Resort 2022 by Lea Colombo Delivers a Big Spirit, Mega Dose of Optimism

Versace Resort 2022 by Lea Colombo Delivers a Big Spirit, Mega Dose of Optimism AOC Fashion

Donatella Versace demands that we put on our big-boy pants — and no granny skirts allowed — and march forward into optimism. “I think there’s a renewed sense of optimism right now and I wanted this collection to speak to that,” said Versace via email to Vogue about the 2022 resort collection. “This season is about having fun again and it feels right to put something positive into the world. We’ll never return to the old world or to the old ‘normal,’ there’s no going backwards. This is what the new now looks like to me.”

If COVID reality and raging white nationalism have dampened Donatella’s spirits seven months later, she’s keeping her angst under wraps in a mind over matter Versace Resort 2022 Campaign that has an infectious, optimistic spirit.

The Medusa has taken a psychedelic spin toward a Summer of Love, lensed by Lea Colombo [IG]. It may be 110-degrees in Puglia or its reverse — snowing in July seaside — but optimism is self-created, even when circumstances are dire.

If we’re not in denial and actively trying to save the planet, our heads are in the right place. If we’re still marching for social justice, the activewear should be polished.

We’re doing our best to find a new groove, inspired here by Versace models Akon Changkou, Alyda Grace, Habib Masovic, Kelvin Adewole, Kiki Willems and Ryan Park. Just make refusal your middle name, and we’re going to get through this.

NEVER let them see you sweat. That’s the AOC approach, and I speak from experience. ~ Anne

Akon Changkou Covers Harper's Bazaar Australia December by Rory van Millingen

Akon Changkou Covers Harper's Bazaar Australia December by Rory van Millingen AOC Fashion

Photographer Rory van Millingen [IG] captures South Sudanese via Adelaide, Australia model Akon Changkou in Harper’s Bazaar Australia’s December 2021 issue. / Hair by Takuya Uchiyama; makeup by Sandra Cooke

Akon Changkou's Modern, Boss Lady Style for Zara by Santiago Gonzalez

Akon Changkou's Modern, Boss Lady Style for Zara by Santiago Gonzalez AOC Fashion

Rising model Akon Changkou fronts Zara’s tailored, sophisticated, edgy clothes styled by Javier De Pardo. Spanish photographer Santiago Gonzalez [IG] has shot multiple earlier Zara campaigns. / Makeup by Egon Crivillers

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2022 Campaign Soars in Images by Carlijn Jacobs

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2022 Campaign Soars in Images by Carlijn Jacobs

Louis Vuitton takes flight, soaring high into the clouds with its cruise 2022 campaign, lensed by Carlijn Jacobs [IG]. Models Akon Changkou, Chu Wong, Denise Ascuet, Evie Saunders, Fleur Breijer, Grace Valentine and Ida Heiner are styled by Marie-Amelie Sauvé.

In an economic reality that LVMH described in October 2021 as a “a gradual exit from the health crisis”, the Fashion and Leather Goods business group reported organic revenue growth of 57% in the nine-month period compared to the same period of last year. More impressive is an increase of 38% against the corresponding period of 2019. The Louis Vuitton brand leads that blistering pace.

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Brigitte Niedermair Captures Akron Changkou in Architectural Shapes for V Magazine

Brigitte Niedermair Captures Akron Changkou in Architectural Shapes for V Magazine AOC Fashion

Model Akon Changkou appears in ‘Monumental: The Season’s Sharpest Silhouettes’, shot at Paris’ Double Hélice in Noisy-le-Grand by Brigitte Niedermair [IG]. Gro Curtis styles Changkou in Alexander McQueen, Dior, Givenchy, Prada, Rick Owens and more for V Magazine.

In the words of V Magazine: “Lush enveloping fur coats, coffin-cut trenches, and vaporous swollen dresses, white as powdered sugar, are breathtaking against the grey frigid architecture. “My Inspiration was the merging of the [human] body with architecture. When looking into a pond there was a [striking] reflection of the architecture and this was where I found my [visual inspiration] for the story,” says Neidermair. “I wanted to demonstrate the hidden elegance of these structures.”

The backdrop of Neidermair’s images is a multi-story ‘double helix’ parking lot designed by Ludovic Maillard. TIME OUT shares images of “strangely beautiful brutalist buildings in Paris”.