MODEL CEO: Marcus Schenkenberg has nothing to worry about — at least, not yet. Charles Townsend, president and chief executive officer of Condé Nast Publications (owner of WWD), has made his modeling debut. No, Townsend didn't pull strings to land in the fashion pages of GQ, Details or even Portfolio. Instead, he's featured in the latest catalogue of Vineyard Vines, the company made famous by its colorful, off-beat ties. Townsend didn't think twice before donning a Bermuda pink micro gingham shirt and lime green shorts — as did the entire crew for his boat T-Squared. And while his leisure look probably won't be repeated within the halls of 4 Times Square, Townsend told WWD, "I would do anything for those guys," speaking of brothers Shep and Ian Murray, the company's founders. In fact, Townsend rang in the New Year with Shep in Florida. No word yet on whether he'll model again for the brand, but it's said he also wore the outfit at the New York Yacht Club's annual cruise. As the catalogue entry says, "Chuck might be a mover and a shaker, but in his heart we know he's a sailor." — Amy Wicks

ZEE AT WORK: Though Elle creative director Joe Zee won't execute his full vision until the Hachette monthly unveils a redesign in September, his influence has taken hold in the magazine's June issue. Zee oversaw his first cover with Jessica Biel, who wears a mix of heavy gold accessories and brightly colored dresses and jackets in the photos accompanying the profile inside. Zee said via e-mail that his mission was "to bring that strong energy and a strong point of view of fashion back to Elle." Although Zee oversaw the cover shoot, international creative director Gilles Bensimon shot the photos. Zee also tapped photographer Alexei Hay to shoot the Technicolor-filled fashion story, "The New American Revolution," and oversaw the quick-paced fashion spread "Tour de France," which Bensimon also shot. The fresh perspective of new talent, said Zee, will help "resurrect that strong Elle point of view: bold uses of color, a strong sexiness, a unique fashion sensibility that reflects the Elle girl and a kinetic energy to the pictures." By September, Zee expects to attract other new talent to the pages, though Bensimon is still expected to shoot most of the covers. — Stephanie D. Smith

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