Dasha Zhukova

>> Even though POP magazine doesn't officially relaunch until September, it's a hot topic these days, especially with the supposed drama of Dasha Zhukova's appointment as the new editor-in-chief and Daphne Guinness's worry over being announced as part of the editorial board.  Today, Daphne blogged on the matter, calling the reports "so FUNNY . . . . It was flattering but not true I am afraid.  A complete misunderstanding!"

We caught up with POP's editorial director Ashley Heath this morning — he confirms that Daphne has asked not to be on the editorial board, and is instead "working on a very interesting and exciting special project for us."  Also on the plate for discussion — POP's logo: to change or not to change, first cover clues, and when the freelance fashion and creative teams will be announced.

What do you think about the reception Dasha's appointment is receiving in Milan?

"The reception from the fashion industry towards Dasha has been universally positive. As soon as she talks to anyone the fact that she is extremely intelligent, cultured, driven and positive becomes obvious. Dasha has a very strong sense of style and a strong point of view on the modern world and on magazines. She is incredible in every meeting. The advertisers are thrilled about her appointment, but then they realise an intelligent international perspective is key now. But I've no idea how the rest of the magazine media responded to the announcement. Editors and journalists aren't exactly known for their universal goodwill are they? But the front row figures I care about all grabbed me and said, 'Wow, this is really interesting, this is actually an exciting prospect.'"

Daphne's "indicated that being a part of the editorial board is not a good idea" »

>> It's no surprise that Dasha Zhukova's recent appointment as POP editor-in-chief is making waves — she has no editorial experience and is seen by many as just the socialite girlfriend of a Russian billionaire.  Plus, there's that whole matter of her taking over from Katie Grand — apparently a number of other potential candidates were reluctant to head up a magazine so imbued with Grand's identity.

Dasha, who has been attending some shows in Milan, feels "like the elephant in the room."  And rightly so — Derek Blasberg reports that one British fashion journalist snidely commented to him, “I’m going to be the next queen of England,” while another joked that Kylie Minogue was in line to be the next editor of Vogue.  Apparently, Anna Dello Russo pinched Dasha's seat at Jil Sander, the same day that her new POP position was announced.

Even editorial board member Daphne Guinness is distancing herself »

>> POP has a new editor-in-chief to replace Katie Grand — as rumored, it's 27-year-old Dasha Zhukova, who has no previous editorial experience but is well-known in the fashion and art worlds as designer of Kova & T and founder of Moscow's largest exhibition venue, the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture.  

Ashley Heath, who originally conceived and co-launched POP with Katie Grand in 1999-2000, will serve as editorial director, helping Dasha with the reinvention of the magazine, the launch of a new website, a new London office — Katie Grand complained about the old POP offices regularly — as well as fostering an installation space in Berlin and a partnership with The Saatchi Gallery in London.

The magazine — first issue launches Sept. 1 — appears set to be more focused on art in addition to fashion than it was under Katie Grand's direction — according to Zhukova's statement: "We are working hard on a complete revamp of the magazine in order to provide a broader point of view focusing also on art, contemporary culture and the globalisation of all things pop-related."

Apparently "names of old-school editors, creative directors, and even pop stars and fashion designers were thrown around" before Dasha was settled upon, but now the focus is on recruiting a freelance team, which Ashley and Dasha interviewed together.  No word on whether Dasha's best friend Olympia Scarry will serve as creative director as rumored, but an editorial board is already in place to provide guidance and inspiration, including Daphne Guinness; art director Julia Restoin-Roitfeld; artist and film director Sam Taylor-Wood; design critic Alice Rawsthorn; artist and art director Peter Saville; Rebecca Wilson, head of development at Saatchi Gallery; and David Davies, managing director of POP.
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Today's designer has to know where to focus their collaborative attention and beauty is a now viable option--Tracy Reese can boast a sixth nail polish collection for Sally Hansen.

Dasha Zhukova, an art gallerist, has been hired as Katie Grand's replacement at Pop magazine. 

The Daily Beast dives into the fashion realm and offers a wrap up of London collection highlights. 

Marco Zanini reveals his first collection for Rochas in the wake of the experimental Oliver Theysken days--make room for more cocktail dresses. 

>> INSIDER WIRE —Now that Katie Grand is all settled with Love over at Conde Nast, it's time for Bauer to find her replacement at POP.  Are you ready for a surprising choice?  Gossip last night placed socialite, designer, and art-circuit extraordinaire Dasha Zhukova at the helm in Katie's old spot, with her artist best friend Olympia Scarry doing the creative direction.  Wonder how Katie feels about that?  She was worried "that POP could employ someone that I think is completely venomous." [Style.com]
*image: source