“Farewell to a Fashion Icon: Ivan Bart, Ex-President of IMG Models, Passes Away at Age 60”
Farewell to a Fashion Icon: Ivan Bart, Ex-President of IMG Models, Passes Away at Age 60 Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for a touching tribute to Ivan Bart, a fashion industry legend who took his final runway walk after a brief illness.
At the spry age of 60, he left an indelible mark on the world of modeling and fashion, helping stars like Lauren Hutton, Carolyn Murphy, Stephanie Seymour, and even the Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella, reach for the stars.
The news of his passing came via the trusty black-and-white confines of Instagram. A fitting place to commemorate a man who knew how to work the angles. The caption was simple but poignant: “Our world has lost one of the greats. Ivan Bart, 1963-2023.” No need for flashy words; Ivan’s legacy spoke volumes.
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From President to a Fashion Giant
Ivan Bart became the captain of the ship at IMG Models in 2014, after the agency merged with WME. Under his leadership, IMG Models transformed many fresh faces into stars, including the likes of Hailey Bieber, Alton Mason, Wisdom Kaye, and more. Ivan had a knack for spotting potential and nurturing it.
But he wasn’t just about spotting pretty faces; he was a champion of diversity and inclusion. He shattered those barriers, making dreams come true for models like Alek Wek, Hari Nef, Precious Lee, Zach Miko, Quannah Chasinghorse, and Paloma Elsesser. And let’s not forget his support for plus-size models when he signed Ashley Graham and others after Ford Models dropped the ball.
Tears, Tributes, and Instagram Condolences
When the fashion world heard the news, Instagram overflowed with heartfelt messages from designers, models, stylists, and even celebrity makeup artists. People were in shock. Makeup maestro Pat McGrath lamented, “Heartbreaking,” while Hailey Bieber paid her respects with, “Love you Ivan.” Paloma Elsesser wrote a touching note, calling him a “beautiful, tenacious, groundbreaking soul.” High-fashion icon Rachel Zoe added, “We have lost the best of the best.”
Mark Shapiro, Endeavor’s president and COO, hailed Ivan as “a trailblazer in the fashion industry.” He shared an anecdote of Ivan’s courage and determination at a Victoria’s Secret meeting. This man was the voice of reason before the world realized it needed one. He was relentless in pushing for diversity and inclusivity.
A Visionary Ahead of His Time
Ivan had more than just a keen eye for beauty; he saw the potential of social media in giving models a voice and driving social change. His instincts were spot on, which led to the acquisition of The Wall Group, a company representing makeup artists, stylists, manicurists, and hairstylists.
Under Ivan’s watchful eye, IMG Models expanded globally, adding offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, and several other fashion capitals. He even took charge of IMG’s global fashion events, including those glamorous fashion weeks.
In 2018, he told The Hollywood Reporter about his passion for inclusivity and finding fresh talent. His journey was about spreading the message far and wide, and he aimed to do just that on a grander stage.
The Final Bow
In March, Ivan took a step back from his role as president to serve as a senior adviser due to a restructuring at Endeavor. Even in this change, he demonstrated his adaptability and dedication to the industry.
As we bid farewell to this trailblazer, let’s remember the legacy of Ivan Bart. He shaped the modeling world, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Ivan’s spirit and love for fashion will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired. He leaves behind a legacy of diversity, inclusivity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s beautiful.
Our thoughts are with his husband, cinematographer Grant Greenberg, and we say, “Rest in style, Ivan.” You’ve earned it!
