Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima are mourning the loss of their longtime friend and agent Louie Chaban, who has died at age 69. British model and TV presenter Jade Parfitt confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram, calling Chaban “the real deal, one of the best, the coolest and most unlikely agents I ever had.”
“With huge love and sadness, @louie_chaban, you will be so missed,” Parfitt wrote alongside photos of the late talent manager whose career spanned decades and helped redefine modern modeling.
Adriana Lima Shares a Simple Yet Powerful Goodbye
Adriana Lima, who worked with Chaban early in her career, posted a short but emotional Instagram Story tribute: “Rest in power, my dear Louie. ” She shared a black-and-white photo of him.
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel credited Chaban for guiding her through some of her most formative professional years and called him a steady mentor who believed in her long before the runway spotlight did.
Those close to Lima say Chaban was a source of support throughout her career, offering grounded advice even at the height of her supermodel success.
Naomi Campbell Remembers Her ‘Chosen Family‘
Naomi Campbell also honored her friend with a heartfelt Instagram post filled with throwback photos spanning decades of friendship. “Losing a chosen family member is never easy. Today, I find myself in disbelief, wishing I could stay in denial just a little longer,” the runway icon wrote.
Campbell met Chaban when she was just 16 years old and credited him for protecting and championing the models he represented. “Whoever you worked for, you gave your all. And whoever were your girls, you protected them fiercely,” she shared.
Recalling their bond during the pandemic, she added, “I’ll never forget those quiet days during COVID when the world felt heavy and you kept me laughing. You made the silence lighter. I’ve known you for more than half my life, and I’ll hold the fondest memories of you forever. You were, and always will be, my chosen family.”
A Lasting Legacy in Fashion
Across his remarkable career, Chaban worked with some of the world’s top agencies — including The Lions, Ford, Elite, DNA, and Women Management- and played a pivotal role in launching the careers of supermodels such as Doutzen Kroes, Agyness Deyn, Raquel Zimmermann, Cameron Russell, Karen Elson, and Erin O’Connor.
In 2020, he joined Ford Models as director of the U.S. Women’s division, where he was known for his integrity, sharp humor, and compassionate leadership.
Industry peers remember him as a fierce advocate for talent and a beloved friend whose presence “made the world lighter”, a sentiment that continues to echo through the fashion world as tributes pour in from across the globe.
