Stylist Melanie Ward passes away

Melanie Ward has passed away following a battle with cancer. The London-born stylist was known for her collaborative approach when working with global brands, helping to distinguish the style of the 1990s and early 2000s.

The news of her death was shared on her official Instagram account, where notable industry figures flooded to the comments to share tributes.

Designer Donatella Versace said she would “forever treasure our moments together”, while former Vogue UK editor-in-chief Edward Enninful called Ward “the most beautiful human being”.

Models Christy Turlington, Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, Erin O’Connor, Carolyn Murphy and Helena Christensen also paid homage.

Ward’s work is often attributed to helping establish the foundations of the “grunge” movement in the 90s. Early in her career, her collaborations with Calvin Klein and Jil Sander further defined fashion minimalism, a marketing aesthetic now widely used by designers in the present day.

In 1995, Ward joined Harper’s Bazaar US as senior fashion editor, remaining at the publication for 14 years.

Between 2005 and 2006, Ward also served as a consultant and creative director for Karl Lagerfeld, as well as a design collaborator and muse for Helmut Lang throughout the 90s.