Ivan Bart, the previous president of IMG Fashions, died on Friday on the age of 60 after a short sickness. Throughout his lengthy tenure at IMG, Bart helped form the careers of among the greatest names in modeling, together with Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, Joan Smalls, Kate Upton, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks. In a really unforgiving and cutthroat business, he was a extensively revered and beloved govt who might be remembered for his supportive nature and championing the inclusivity of fashions.

“It’s with nice disappointment and deep remorse that I announce the passing of Ivan Bart, the long-time president of IMG Fashions and a trailblazer within the style business,” mentioned Mark Shapiro, president and chief working officer of Endeavor. The corporate that owns IMG introduced in a press release learn in a press release.

Bart started his profession at IMG Fashions in 1994 as Inventive Director when the company launched its modeling division. In 2000, he was promoted to senior vp and was named president 14 years later. In March 2023, he resigned from that place to function a senior advisor to the company.

“In his thirty years at IMG Fashions, Ivan actually modified the form and face of the modeling business from the within,” Shapiro mentioned. “His relentless pursuit of variety and inclusion challenged the style business’s gatekeepers and created a family identify whose ubiquity has impressed generations.” Shapiro recalled assembly Bart, who instructed Victoria’s Secret They have to diversify their modeling selections. He is by no means afraid to push for what’s proper, and he is supported the careers of many fashions who do not meet business magnificence requirements, akin to Ashley Graham and Hari Nef. He might be remembered for his development within the modeling world in addition to his ardour and generosity. Following Bart’s dying, many who labored with him throughout his storied profession took to social media to mourn the passing of the business big.

Gigi Hadid

“Ivan. I’ve nothing to say about this loss,” the mannequin wrote on her Instagram Story. “I’ll always remember your spirit and hugs, your assist and preventing for others. Thanks, thanks, thanks…for all the pieces. Relaxation in peace legend. Mr. Bart, without end ‘my boss’ . You’re so cherished. “

The mannequin additionally shared a handwritten notice she as soon as wrote to Bart (initially posted by The Wall Group’s Brooke Wall), thanking him for his “assist and perception” in her. “Thanks for being such an unimaginable rock and chief and I do know I may ask for any assist from you,” she wrote. “I am so grateful to have you ever in my life and I hope to all the time make you proud. You imply a lot to me Extra inspiring than you suppose.” Hadid accompanied her publish with a small notice she had left on Bart’s desk, expressing her love for the company govt.

Ashley Graham

After Ford Fashions fired Ashley Graham and plenty of different plus-size fashions in 2014, Bart signed her and others to IMG, the place she stays in the present day. After Bart’s dying, Graham mentioned on Instagram that she was nonetheless processing the information of his dying and could be for a while. “You’ve got been one of the vital essential components of my profession and your affect has moved mountains and damaged many partitions for myself and so many others,” Graham wrote. “You’re my champion. I can not thanks sufficient for the alternatives you’ve got created for me, the time you’ve got invested in me, and the assist you’ve given me in navigating such a demanding business. A storyteller, an icon, an issue solver, a without end good friend – I I miss you a lot already and I really like you without end, Ivan.”

Paloma Elsesser

Elsesser commented. Instagram publish Sharing the information of Bart’s passing, she wrote: “I really like you Ivan <3 and relaxation properly - your stunning tenacious groundbreaking soul. Our hearts are damaged time and again." She then shared about her story One other message. "I really like you Ivan," she wrote once more, expressing her love for her husband, Grant Greenberg. "An icon who modified an business. My coronary heart breaks for Grant and everybody you touched. You definitely touched mine. We are going to miss you terribly."

Naomi Campbell

“I am shocked and saddened and may’t consider I am watching this,” Campbell wrote in an Instagram publish. “You’re a optimistic drive and a loyal good friend. South Africa in ’98, proper subsequent to you. You’ll A lot missed. My deepest condolences to your loved ones, family members and chosen household.”

Harry Neff

“RIP @ivanmbart. Thanks for watching,” the actress and mannequin wrote. “You modified my life and the lives of so many others. I really like you without end.”

Karen Elson

The British mannequin additionally shared her ideas on Instagram, writing: “Relaxation in peace Ivan, that is so unhappy. You had been a pioneer in our business and an individual with an enormous coronary heart who supported so many. .”

Katie Grand

Nevertheless, it wasn’t simply the fashions who spoke out about Bart’s dying.Katie Grand, founder and co-editor excellent magazines and frequent watt The contributor additionally wrote a message on Instagram. “RIP Ivan, you had been a novel particular person, very type and beneficiant,” she mentioned. She continued the announcement on Instagram, commenting: “Ivan is certainly one of a sort, he sees individuals and acknowledges their potential and may be very humorous and witty.”

Lily Aldridge

“RIP my expensive Ivan,” the mannequin wrote on Instagram Tales. “Thanks all to your love, steering and friendship.”

Jovovich Meyer

The actress and mannequin recalled her time working with Bart within the feedback of the Instagram assertion. “Ivan, you might be really a particular particular person,” she wrote. “I am sorry we’ve not seen one another that a lot through the years, however you are one of many individuals I’ve identified the longest on this business, and you’ve got all the time had my again. I am so unhappy to listen to that you simply’re now not with us . ”

Helena Christensen

Helena Christensen’s Instagram remark was quick and candy, specializing in the optimistic reminiscences she shared with Bart. “Very unhappy information,” she wrote. “[I] I am grateful we had a good time the final time I noticed you and we each laughed lots. “

Rachel Zoe

The stylist additionally shared her reminiscences with Bart within the feedback. “I am overwhelmed and my coronary heart is damaged,” she mentioned. “I’ve identified and cherished Ivan from the day I entered this business. We’ve got misplaced top-of-the-line… certainly one of them.”

State Meals and Drug Administration

Council of Vogue Designers of America Posted a tribute Bart known as him a “trailblazer who advocated for a greater business and spoke out for better illustration.” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb added, “CFDA is dedicated to respecting and pursuing the ideas that Ivan believed in. We prolong our deepest condolences to his household and all who cherished him.”