Following reports on gossip website Holy Moly, publishing corporation Bauer Media has today announced Dasha Zhukova - fashion designer, gallerist and girlfriend of Roman Abramovich - has been appointed editor-in-chief of Pop magazine.
The 27-year-old Russian replaces Katie Grand, who recently defected to Condé Nast to launch Love. The daughter of a Russian oligarch, she first stepped into the British public arena in 2007 when she and Abramovich got together. Admired for her model looks and impeccable wardrobe, she quickly became a darling of the socialite scene. Playing on her fashion kudos, she launched Kova&T with childhood friend Christina Tang, a trendy clothing line whose PVC leggings sparked an overnight trend. Last year in Russia she opened an art gallery, the Center For Contemporay Culture Moscow, otherwise known as the Garage.
At a press conference in Milan, Zhukova said she has always been a fan of Pop and is excited to take on the new challenge, adding, "I feel it's the perfect time to be showcasing and encouraging new energy and talent."
The new Pop is already marking itself out as a different to beast to its previous incarnation. As well as a new London office, there are plans for an installation space in Berlin and a partnership with The Saatchi Gallery. "We are working 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 things pop-related", Zhukova said.
Zhukova will work in partnership with Ashley Heath, formerly editorial director of Pop and fashion director of The Face. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, daughter of Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, has been appointed art director. Katie Grand was unavailable for comment.
Picture: Dasha Zhukova at the couture shows last January
