Ivan Bart, Ex-IMG Models President, Dies at 60 — Celebrities Pay Homage

Bart, who passed away on Friday after a short illness, is remembered for promoting diversity and inclusion in the modeling world.

Ivan Bart: A Fashion Industry Icon Remembered

Ivan Bart, former president of IMG Models, has sadly passed away at the age of 60, leaving a profound impact on the fashion and modeling industry. This devastating news was announced on Sunday via Bart’s Instagram account, accompanied by a poignant black-and-white photo of him, captioned, “Our world has lost one of the greats. Ivan Bart, 1963-2023.”

Bart’s demise occurred on a Friday after a brief illness, as reported by Women’s Wear Daily. Mark Shapiro, the president and chief operating officer of Endeavor, which owns IMG Models, conveyed the news to the company’s employees, expressing deep sadness and regret over the loss.

Ivan Bart, a native of Brooklyn, New York, embarked on his journey in the fashion world through an unexpected entry point. He began his career at a public relations firm that happened to have a small modeling agency affiliated with it. This provided him with a unique window into the fashion industry. In 1994, Bart joined IMG as a creative director, setting the stage for a remarkable 30-year career that would see him rise through the ranks, eventually reaching the pinnacle as president in 2014, following the company’s merger with WME. Four years later, he took on the additional responsibility of overseeing all of IMG’s global fashion events, including the prestigious New York Fashion Week.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ivan Bart was instrumental in launching the careers of numerous iconic figures in the modeling world. He played a pivotal role in the rise to stardom of renowned models like Lauren Hutton, Kate Moss, Stephanie Seymour, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, Gisele Bündchen, and Tyra Banks. His legacy is deeply intertwined with these household names, and his tireless efforts in shaping the modeling industry will continue to inspire generations.

Notably, Ivan Bart was a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion within the fashion and modeling realms. His unwavering commitment to challenging the industry’s gatekeepers and promoting models of all sizes, ages, races, and backgrounds was exemplary. Mark Shapiro recalled an incident where he sat next to Bart at a table with Victoria’s Secret’s former management team and urged them to expand their annual television special to feature a more diverse cast of models. He was a voice for inclusivity and beauty in all its forms, serving as a pioneering force in driving change within the fashion world.

In addition to his commitment to diversity, Ivan Bart was an early proponent of leveraging social media to propel models’ careers and amplify their voices. He recognized the power of images in effecting social change, understanding that a single picture could convey a thousand words. The images he helped create became catalysts for transformation within the fashion industry.

In March, Ivan Bart stepped down from his role as president, assuming a new position as a senior advisor at the agency. This transition marked a new chapter in his remarkable career, where his wisdom and experience continued to benefit IMG Models.

Following the heartbreaking news of Bart’s passing, an outpouring of tributes and condolences flooded in from the talented models whose careers he had nurtured. Haley Bieber, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Ashley Graham were among the luminaries who paid their respects and expressed their love for Bart, recounting the profound impact he had on their lives and careers.

Haley Bieber, in response to the Instagram post announcing Bart’s passing, left a heartfelt message: “Love you Ivan. 💔💔💔.” Cindy Crawford expressed her sorrow with a broken heart emoji, writing, “Oh no! Sorry to hear this sad news 💔.” Naomi Campbell, deeply shocked and saddened, honored Bart as a positive force and loyal friend. She extended her condolences to his family and loved ones, emphasizing the loss the industry had suffered. Rachel Zoe, a celebrity stylist, also shared her grief, referring to Ivan Bart as “the best of the best” and “one of one.” She acknowledged the monumental loss that the fashion industry had experienced.

Ashley Graham, in a lengthy Instagram Story post, conveyed that she was still processing the devastating news of Bart’s passing. She expressed profound gratitude for his unwavering support and the doors he had opened for her and many others in the challenging industry. Gigi Hadid, too, took to her Instagram story, referring to Ivan Bart as “forever my boss.” She recounted his spirit, support, and advocacy for others, thanking him for everything and bidding him a peaceful rest.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) joined the chorus of tributes to Ivan Bart, celebrating him as a trailblazer who championed a more inclusive industry and a voice for greater representation. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb emphasized Bart’s close association with CFDA and his collaboration on various initiatives, including New York Fashion Week and the CFDA Initiative for Health, Safety, and Inclusion. The CFDA affirmed its commitment to continue pursuing the principles that Ivan Bart fervently believed in and extended its deepest condolences to his family and all those who held him dear.

Ivan Bart’s indelible legacy in the fashion and modeling industry transcends his remarkable career. He was not only a visionary leader but also a pioneer in promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of social media. His passing is a profound loss to the fashion world, and his impact will continue to resonate for generations to come. As the fashion industry mourns the departure of an iconic figure, the world remembers Ivan Bart’s extraordinary contributions and celebrates his enduring influence on the modeling industry.

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed