On September 27, 2024, The Business of Fashion (BoF) will induct 100 new members into The BoF 500, a prestigious index recognizing influential figures across the global fashion industry. This year, five individuals stand out for their profound impact, each representing different realms in fashion, film, and sports: Alessandro Michele, Michelle Yeoh, Francesca Bellettini, Zac Posen, and Angel Reese. Their stories illustrate that success often requires not only talent but resilience and the courage to forge one’s unique path.
Angela Duckworth, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient, has extensively researched the key traits that drive long-term success. She identified “grit” as the most critical quality—a combination of passion and perseverance towards significant goals. “It was grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina,” she explains. This notion resonates deeply with each of the BoF 500 cover stars, who have faced numerous challenges on their diverse journeys to international acclaim.
The Resilience of Alessandro Michele
Alessandro Michele, formerly the creative director of Gucci, symbolizes the power of grit and creative freedom. After spending years in the brand’s backrooms, he emerged as a visionary leader who steered Gucci through a renaissance, elevating it to unparalleled success. However, after his departure from the brand, Michele did not rest on his laurels. He has now taken on the esteemed role at Valentino, where he aims to redefine the luxury fashion landscape once again. His career is a testament to the notion that true creative freedom enables individuals to thrive and innovate.
Michelle Yeoh: Iconic Breakthrough
Michelle Yeoh’s illustrious career in film exemplifies resilience through transition and reinvention. After nearly four decades in the industry, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by winning the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” This honor made her the first Asian woman to receive the accolade, transforming her into a global style icon. Beyond acting, she serves as an ambassador for luxury brands, including Balenciaga, influencing both the fashion and film sectors simultaneously.
Yeoh’s journey highlights a crucial point: achieving recognition in one’s field often requires a willingness to take unconventional paths and embrace opportunities, even later in life.
Francesca Bellettini: From Finance to Fashion Power
Francesca Bellettini’s ascent in the fashion industry exemplifies the intersection between business acumen and creative leadership. Initially starting her career in investment banking, Bellettini progressively climbed the fashion industry ladder, first as part of Saint Laurent and now as co-deputy CEO of Kering. She currently plays an instrumental role in guiding Kering’s strategy and could emerge as one of the most influential women in luxury fashion.
Bellettini’s story illustrates the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in the ever-competitive landscape of fashion. Her success showcases that diverse experiences can provide invaluable insights, leading to transformative leadership within the industry.
Zac Posen: A Craft Reinvigorated
Zac Posen, who began his career as a designer with his label at a surprisingly young age, faced the harsh realities of fame and the fashion business. Dubbed an overnight success, he later found himself grappling with the challenges of maintaining that status. However, Posen has rebounded and is now making waves as the new creative lead at Gap Inc. His journey emphasizes that setbacks do not determine one’s destiny; rather, resilience can pave the way to reinvention and renewal.
Angel Reese: Breaking Norms in Sports and Fashion
Rounding out the group is Angel Reese, an emerging force not only on the basketball court but also in the fashion arena. As a breakout star of the WNBA, she has significantly boosted viewership for women’s basketball while intriguing audiences with her bold fashion choices, whether during her ‘tunnel walks’ or appearances at high-profile events like the Met Gala.
Reese’s presence signifies the growing intersection of sports and fashion, demonstrating that innovative expressions of identity can influence both industries. Her success serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the freedom to express oneself unapologetically.
Conclusion
The narratives of Alessandro Michele, Michelle Yeoh, Francesca Bellettini, Zac Posen, and Angel Reese converge on a common theme: the power of grit combined with the freedom to express one’s authentic self. Their stories affirm that success is not a linear trajectory; rather, it is marked by perseverance, reinvention, and the courage to break boundaries.
As the BoF 500 Class of 2024 is revealed, the fashion industry will undoubtedly continue to be shaped by the talent and creativity of these remarkable individuals. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across various sectors, encouraging a future where individuality and resilience stand at the forefront.
