SHANGHAI: Shanghai police have ruled out foul play and cast doubt on allegations that overwork contributed to the death of a 14-year-old Russian model after she took part in Shanghai Fashion Week last month.
The death of Vlada Dzyuba in a Shanghai hospital on October 27 threw a spotlight on the murky world of foreign models in China — many from the former Soviet Union — and raised questions over why a minor was working abroad without a proper guardian.
A Shanghai police statement released late Friday said Dzyuba died of multiple organ failure stemming from a suspected central nervous system infection, possibly meningitis.
“A forensic examination found no violent injuries on the surface of the body, routine blood tests were negative, and no abnormalities were found,” the statement said.
English-language newspaper The Siberian Times had alleged that Dzyuba, from the city of Perm, died of meningitis compounded by exhaustion following “a gruelling fashion show in Shanghai.”
But the Chinese agency representing Dzyuba, ESEE Model Management, has vehemently denied the claim.
Shortly after her death, ESEE reproduced a medical report from Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai that gave the cause of death as septicaemia, a type of bacterial blood poisoning.
The teen, who despite her youth was allowed to model under Chinese law, died without her family at her side because her mother could not travel to China in time.
Her body was returned to Russia on November 11, Shanghai police said.
Shortly after Dzyuba’s death, Russian investigators in Perm opened a probe into whether her death was caused by negligence, TASS state news agency reported, citing regional investigators.
Shanghai police see no foul play in Russian teen model’s death
Shanghai police see no foul play in Russian teen model’s death
Amira Al-Zuhair joins Bulgari as ‘Friend of the House’
DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair has joined Italian luxury fashion house Bulgari as a “Friend of the House,” she announced on Instagram.
Founded in 1884, the brand is known for its jewellery, watches, fragrances, accessories, and leather goods. It is headquartered in Rome.
“I am delighted to announce that I have officially joined the Bulgari family as a Friend of the House. Looking forward to sharing more of our journey together — stay tuned!” Al-Zuhair said on social media, alongside a carousel of images.
In one of the images, taken at a Bulgari party, the model shows off a soft pink gown by Lebanese fashion house Georges Hobeika.
The event celebrated the Polychroma High Jewelry Collection, which was launched at May’s Met Gala in New York.
Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses.
She has walked for Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and many more.
In addition to her runway appearances, Al-Zuhair has featured in campaigns for high-profile brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.
Al-Zuhair also made a runway appearance in May when she walked in Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry collection show, held at Bellver Castle on the island of Majorca, Spain.
In late May, Al-Zuhair also reflected on her recent campaign with Balmain, sharing photos from the Resort 2025 collection shoot. “Had so much fun shooting inside the Eiffel Tower herself!” she wrote in the caption.
It was not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.
