Karen Elson
Model
The auburn-haired model is campaigning to end harassment in the modelling industry as a newly elected board member of the Model Alliance.
The modelling veteran — with over 20 years of experience in campaigns for the likes of Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent — believes that the fashion industry must do more to protect models from sexual harassment. Having joined the board of the Model Alliance, she aims to end the abuse of models in the form of sexual harassment and assault amid the #MeToo movement, using her influence to become a spokesperson for the movement.
In the wake of more than half a dozen claims of sexual and emotional abuse against Ryan Adams, Elson came forward in 2019 to say that she, too, had a "traumatising" experience with the singer/songwriter.
Elson started modelling as a teenager and was discovered at age 16 by the owner of Boss Models in Manchester. Elson's breakthrough came when Steven Meisel shot her for the cover of Italian Vogue on her 18th birthday. She has since worked with many of the world's most renowned fashion photographers including Peter Lindbergh , Mert and Marcus, Steven Klein , Steven Meisel and Ellen Von Unwerth.
Elson has walked the runway for a number of designers including Marc Jacobs (which she did while pregnant), Jean Paul Gaultier , Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Dior and Gucci. In August 2012, Elson was one of eight British models chosen to walk during a segment at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. She wore a gold gown by Burberry and walked with her fellow models to David Bowie's song "Fashion."
Her list of magazine covers includes multiple international editions of Vogue as well as W, Dazed & Confused, Numéro, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, Lula, Foam Magazine and Nylon. Photographed by Steven Meisel, she was presented on the September 2004 cover of American Vogue as one of the "Models of the Moment." In 2005, Elson won the British Fashion Award for Best Model.
Elson has appeared in many short films and videos, including Steven Meisel and Darren Lew's “War Opera,” Nick Knight 's Warhol-inspired series “More Beautiful Women” and his "Moving Fashion" project, as well as Craig McDean 's “48 Girls.” Elson is also a singer-songwriter, having written two full-length albums and performed with her band on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Elson featured alongside Tilda Swinton as part of the “ Tim Walker : Wonderful Things” exhibition held at the V&A in 2019.
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On July 6, 1997, Gianni Versace showed his new Haute Couture collection at the Ritz in Paris. Nine days later, he was shot dead. The tragic irony was that, even without the events of a week later, Versace’s show felt significant, like we were seeing a bold new direction in the career of a designer who had already reshaped fashion in the 90s.
Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All-Time: Versace, Haute Couture Autumn 1997
On July 6, 1997, Gianni Versace showed his new Haute Couture collection at the Ritz in Paris. Nine days later, he was shot dead. The tragic irony was that, even without the events of a week later, Versace’s show felt significant, like we were seeing a bold new direction in the career of a designer who had already reshaped fashion in the 90s.
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Silvia Venturini Fendi has been able to inject her own personality into the family business in a way that is subtle but striking.
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Silvia Venturini Fendi has been able to inject her own personality into the family business in a way that is subtle but striking.
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Naomi Campbell, Adut Akech, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Karen Elson and other industry leaders from around the world celebrated the #BoF500 and inclusivity during Paris Fashion Week.
At the #BoF500 Gala in Paris, Inclusivity Takes Centre Stage
Naomi Campbell, Adut Akech, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Karen Elson and other industry leaders from around the world celebrated the #BoF500 and inclusivity during Paris Fashion Week.
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Inspired by Ireland’s wren boys, the exquisite pieces that made up the designer’s latest collection seem destined to become nothing less than heirlooms, worthy of new traditions to come.
Over 100 Models Petition Victoria’s Secret on Sexual Misconduct
Organised by the Model Alliance and signed by major models including a former Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel,’ the letter calls on the lingerie behemoth to commit to a new code of conduct.
Over 100 Models Petition Victoria’s Secret on Sexual Misconduct
Organised by the Model Alliance and signed by major models including a former Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel,’ the letter calls on the lingerie behemoth to commit to a new code of conduct.
Big Beauty Companies Struggle to Launch the Next Glossier
Major beauty conglomerates like Revlon, L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble have been launching new brands at a rapid clip to compete with indie upstarts. But they’ve had few breakaway hits so far. Here’s what they’ve learned.
Big Beauty Companies Struggle to Launch the Next Glossier
Major beauty conglomerates like Revlon, L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble have been launching new brands at a rapid clip to compete with indie upstarts. But they’ve had few breakaway hits so far. Here’s what they’ve learned.
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The Missouri-native turned fashion insider and YouTube’s new head of fashion & beauty partnerships shares the secrets to his success.
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The Missouri-native turned fashion insider and YouTube’s new head of fashion & beauty partnerships shares the secrets to his success.
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Nine months after the rise of fashion’s own #MeToo movement casting director James Scully, Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff and supermodel-turned-activist Karen Elson take stock.
Fashion’s Year of Reckoning: Have We Learned Anything?
Nine months after the rise of fashion’s own #MeToo movement casting director James Scully, Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff and supermodel-turned-activist Karen Elson take stock.
Fashion Embraces Optimism at the #BoF500 Gala
Carine Roitfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Alexi Lubomirski, Bella and Gigi Hadid and other leaders from around the world celebrated the #BoF500 during New York Fashion Week.
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Carine Roitfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Alexi Lubomirski, Bella and Gigi Hadid and other leaders from around the world celebrated the #BoF500 during New York Fashion Week.
The 2018 #BoF500 Revealed
The Business of Fashion is proud to unveil the sixth annual BoF 500: the people shaping the global fashion industry in 2018.
The 2018 #BoF500 Revealed
The Business of Fashion is proud to unveil the sixth annual BoF 500: the people shaping the global fashion industry in 2018.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
