Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham pay final tribute to Evan Bart

Style

Unique

By carlos greer

The fashion industry gathered at Spring Studios in New York on Monday to say a final goodbye to former IMG chairman Ivan Bart, who died last month at the age of 60.

Model Ashley Graham welcomed everyone to the service — and Bart’s friends, including Brandon Maxwell, Maja Chiesi, Leslie Russo, Chuck Bennett, Bethan Hardison, Jen Hudis, Caroline Murphy, Stan Herman and Rhea Cohen all paid tribute .

The walls of the Spring studio were covered with photos of Bart – single and with famous clients over the years, including Tyra Banks.

There was also a quote from Bart that read: “Through fashion imagery, we can affect social change.”

A source who attended the service told Page Six: “The overall theme was this man who led with integrity and cared about people.”

According to the program of the memorial, casting director James Scully read a eulogy from Bart’s friend, theater critic Charles McNulty, and model Lily Aldridge gave a farewell, including a “very special thank you for the excellent flowers” to supermodel Stephanie Seymour.

McNulty also posted on Instagram of the service, “Cynthia Erivo sang ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ then joined the gospel choir at the end for some final choruses of ‘Going Up Yonder’.” He said that model “Caroline Murphy made me cry.” , ” and , ” Gigi Hadid gives a heartfelt toast .”

Bart joined IMG Models in 1994 and served as its president for 10 years, before he stepped down from the position earlier this year to take on an advisory role, he told Us in March.

He guided the careers of models including Graham, Hadid and Karlie Kloss, who were all in attendance.

The service ended with a cocktail reception where we’re told a “very emotional” Gigi Hadid gave an impromptu toast.

“It was not planned. She stood up and said Evan was the one person who believed in you when no one else believed in him,” the source said.

Bart’s longtime friend, New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis, was also at the service. When news of his death broke he described him as “one of my best friends”.

“What a tragic loss. RIP dear Evan, I love you so much,” she commented on Instagram.