Former IMG Models President Ivan Bart Dies at 60, Remembered as Advocate for Inclusivity in Fashion Industry

Ivan Bart's death confirmed by IMG parent company, Endeavor, after short illness; industry icons pay tribute to his legacy of promoting diversity.

Ivan Bart, the former president of IMG Models, passed away at the age of 60 after a short illness. His death was confirmed by Endeavor, the parent company of IMG.
Bart assisted in guiding the careers of influential models such as Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Ashley Graham among others, during his tenure at IMG which began in 1994.
Known for his advocacy of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, Bart played an integral role in expanding the idea of who can be a model. He signed Ashley Graham as the first curve model after Ford closed their Plus Size division and backed the careers of transgender models and those with disabilities, as well as promoting racial diversity.
Bart was also recognised for his relentless efforts in challenging fashion's gatekeepers and initiating change for the modeling industry from within. He notably advocated for the diversification of models at Victoria's Secret shows.
Tributes have poured in from prominent figures within the fashion industry such as supermodels Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, and New York Fashion Week pioneer Fern Mallis, among others.