Secrets of the Modeling World New York

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2010-07-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

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A must read interview with the gorgeous “Hannah Sobisky” by Amna Bou-Azza

2010-07-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

SOMW : How did you get into modeling? Tell me how and when everything started ?

Hannah: I started getting approached by scouts a lot around the age of 13. I met Erin Olson of Echo Models a friends BBQ when I was 14. She introduced me to DNA Models in New York and I signed with both agencies and things have taken off since then.

SOMW : Now that you're signed with DNA do you believe that Echo models made things easier for you and helped you to get into such a well known agency ?

Hannah : Echo Models definitely helped to make everything a smooth transition. Erin is very careful and concerned about her models. She is knowledgeable in the business which is huge. People in the industry trust her and respect her.

SOMW : Did you always know that you wanted to be a model?

Hannah : I never really thought a whole lot about becoming a model until I started getting approached.

SOMW : If you hadn't become a model, what would you see yourself doing?
Hannah : If I hadn't become a model I would definitely see myself continuing my dance career.

SOMW: Who’s your favorite model if you have one ?

Hannah : I don't really have a favorite model as of yet.

SOMW : How do you spend your days Hannah ?

Hannah : Besides school, I spend my days dancing, hanging with friends, reading, and being with my family

SOMW : What has been your best trip as a model? Is there anywhere you would like to travel that you haven't been to yet?
Hannah : My best trip so far is definitely New York. Every time I go I learn more and more about how to improve. I eventually want to travel all over the world. But I want to take it slow. I want to enjoy being a teenager too. I am about to go to Paris this summer to model with Viva agency. I am so excited to go and learn and work.

SOMW : How do you feel about the media trying to influence the perception of models and their 'ideal' size?"

Hannah : I don't like that the media has such a strong influence on body image. I do understand the need to advertise and sell things, and you want to use people who make the product look good. But I also think that we don't have to fall into the ideal image trap. Thanks to good genes and my family, I have usually had a positive body image. But I am not perfect either. I know I will be told I am either too tall, or too thin,or not thin enough, or not soft enough or too soft by certain clients or jobs. I won't get every job I go out for. But I have a responsibility to remember that I am still good enough inside and that is all that matters in the end. I hope other teenagers can learn and understand that as well.

SOMW : Do you have a secret that you can share with us ? (laughing)

Hannah : A secret that most of my friends don't know about me is that I still love to watch the princess Disney movies every once in a while. I guess I am still a little girl at heart.

SOMW : What do you enjoy the most about the modeling world ?

Hannah : What I enjoy most about the modeling world is the powerful feeling of walking down a runway and the fun you can have behind the camera. I love photo shoots

SOMW : Who's your favorite designer ?

Hannah : I have so many favorite designers but the 2 that stand out to me are Renzo Rosso of Diesel and Betsy Johnson. I love the funky but casual style of Renzo and the quirky yet beautiful style of Betsy.

SOMW : What would you like to be known for at the end of you fashion career?
Hannah : I would like to be known for 3 things: -Being an amazing runway model -Being an example to other women by being as modest and appropriate as I can in an industry that doesn't always want that -And last but not least, I would like to be able to help other teens learn to love themselves no matter what body type they have and to learn to let their inner beauty shine through.

SOMW : what do you think about SOMW ?

Hannah : Well I haven't known too much about SOMW until now but if these are the kinds of interviews and information people will be able to get from it, I am definitely all for it. How exciting! Thank you for being interested in my answers and in me.

SOMW : Thank you Hannah! And thanks for the amazing pictures , SOMW loves you too ! All the best for your career!

Courtney Erickson back in town

2010-06-29T09:31:00.001-07:00

Our good friend and amazing model Courtney Erickson who is signed with Q is back in town!! arriving next week...she is sure she will kick some butt...so watch out everybody she is here to do her thing...and we all know this girl WORKS...

We love Court and can't wait to talk to her about her latest travels and experiences

Steven Meisel shoots Mariacarla Boscono from Women...pure art

2010-06-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Steven Meisel and Mariacarla Boscono from Women Management with Alber Elbaz styling...speechless...pure art, its beauty, sex, chic, romance and a sense of "bad ass"...

This shoot is for fall 2010 Lanvin campaign

Lanvin Fall 2010 Campaign
Model: Mariacarla Boscono
Photographer: Steven Meisel
Stylist: Alber Elbaz
Hair: Guido Palau
Makeup: Pat McGrath

Secrets in China

2010-06-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

Aside from the schemers, the thuggery, and other manifestations of bad taste, I'm not sure where to start. I could mention the visa fraud scam I took right to the US Embassy's Visa Fraud Unit, ending in the death (with no body at the funeral) of the person who tried to recruit me. I could mention the Chinese art scene as a haven for money launderers. I could go on about some clients I've had (one of them thought that by buying the film, they owned the rights to the images I produced for them -- hence I chose to drop them immediately and not return any calls) -- maybe this email to me from one of Asia's best creative directors (we met on an IBM campaign in 2003) may shed some light on what models can expect; if it exists on this level, it can exist on any level, especially in the modeling industry.

*********************
Mister Frady,
After many years of honing my craft, and all too often in the company of colleagues - who, shall we say, have a less sharpened career than myself - I am of slight concerns and am seeing the unmistakable hallmarks of a 'no thought, no planning, no idea, wing it through kind of business that i am seeing and experiencing at 798.
For instance - the 'busy' office with no procedures, no proper facilities or administration - but instead, a fucking Ay-i serving bitter shit tea endlessly, instead of hiring a hot receptionist to answer their phones... the sloppiness of the meetings with management and their genuine lack of vision and a serious lack of depth of understanding about what they are doing. The lazy 'legal girl' who said she was to email me - despite me already having emailed her. She is a pip squeak and probably winced at my fee schedule i sent them.
Look, I can go on with a litany of amateurisms that will only sadden me, and perhaps you. But there's little point.

So looking on the bright side i feel if 798 and I can reach an agreement and I come on board to help, then it will be high time to apply some stainless steel methodology and influence into the thing - and attempt to mould some sense and shape to this nebulous mass of seemingly desperate corner cutters.

If this eventuates - and the ball is now entirely in their court - I will need to work closely with you in terms of sharpening the 798 Group image. If the image and presenation is at least right and reflects the bullshit they proport to, then, well, fuck Shannon, it may get them over the line and put some cash in our pockets - despite the inner machinations and realities of the organization are a fucking hopelessly disorganised, counter-productive disaster.

At this stage I have done enough for free. Ive listened to their bullshit enough. They can now walk the walk.

******************
Among the bad, there is always good, but one has to look very carefully. Rainbow Gao is generally a good person, she runs an agency out of Shanghai. I could recommend people, like Shaun Price from Kentucky (photos attached, he's the handsome black guy in the white suit), and my other friend Morgan, who was the guy who shot Jackie Chan in "Forbidden Kingdom" (also in the photos). In another photo is Henry Li, someone to look out for, he started China's night life (Quentin Tarantino was bartending for him while shooting "Kill Bill" in Beijing, he brought Paul Oakenfold to the Great Wall, and before I left China I had drinks with Colin Farrell at his bar, he knows everyone) and is generally a godfather-type figure with good intentions which may or may not lead to the right introductions.

I may be more qualified to steer people in right directions than to steer them away from certain people. Or maybe that's just my inclination. However I do feel responsible to pass on whatever I have learned in the hopes of staving away bad experiences.

Interview with Erin owner of Echo Models

2010-06-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Interview by Amna Bou-Azza (SOMW) with the owner of Echo models “Erin Olson”

SOMW : What was your overriding inspiration to get into the business and create “Echo Models” ?

Erin : I’ve spent 15 years in various aspects of the fashion and modeling world. Over time I realized my passion was finding potential models, developing and managing them. I was inspired to start my own management company because I wanted to provide a safe and honest way for people to get into the industry without getting scammed or paying unnecessary fees.

SOMW : Can you tell me about your role in “Echo models” ? What do you do exactly?

Erin : I founded Echo Models in May of 2009. I personally scout, develop and manage all the models I represent. My motto is: If I can’t place a girl with one of the top ten agencies in the world, I don’t waste my time (I don’t waste their time either).

SOMW : Give me one word that defines the modeling industry for you?

Erin : Exciting Why? Because there is so much potential for lives to change for the better in this industry. For example, one of my models literally just barely left her high school graduation in the tiny town of Fillmore, Utah and flew straight to Singapore to begin modeling with Ave Management and shooting with the world famous fashion photographer “Chuando”.

Another girl that I sent to LA literally had only been a model for 4 days when she was cast as the only girl featured in a 10 page editorial in “Harper’s Bazaar”. You just never know how this industry will affect your life, it may happen really fast or slow. And not knowing what's going to happen from one day to the next is always exciting!

SOMW : Any tips for a model to make it big in this very competitive industry ? Any advice ?

Erin : The 3 P’s: Be Persistent, Passionate, and Professional

Persistent: You won’t last a single day in this industry unless you are able to get up every time you fall down. There is a lot of rejection in modeling, so you have to keep smiling, put on those high heels, get back out there, and believe in yourself if you want to make it.

Passionate: YOU have to be the one to want to model, not your mom, not your friends and not your agent. If you don’t have passion for it, you just won’t last.

Professional: Your main priority as a model is to make the client want to book you again. Never forget that as a model you are running your own business. As with any business, the key to success is getting and keeping clients. If you’re difficult to work with, late, rude, or unpleasant in any way when you’re on the job, most likely you’ve lost a client and lots of opportunities for jobs down the road.

SOMW : There has been a trend of using skinnier female models in recent years. Are designers in some way responsible or is it the casting agents ?

Erin : Designers have every power to change the sample sizes they make. But if they do, they or the casting agents have to find models that fit those sizes, that’s a hard job. That’s why most designers book the walking mannequins (models) from already established agencies. Perhaps the agencies are responsible.

SOMW: Is the modeling profession something that provides financial stability? Does the agency take care of the financial aspects?

Erin: It can, but there’s definitely an investment in the beginning from both the model and the agency. The agency should pay for flights, books, comp cards and test shoots, etc. and the model should invest her time, energy, interest, and making sure she looks amazing!

SOMW : What do you think about SOMW ?

Erin : Not only an incredible resource for models but also an inspiration to many who think modeling is for girls with no personality. SOMW puts soul into the modeling world!

SOMW : Any quote that you could leave us with ?

Erin : “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. {Eleanor Roosevelt}

SOMW : I love this quote ! Thank you Erin for this great interview, SOMW wishes to you and” Echo models” the best of luck !

Lauren Young for Cover of Jacques Magazine

2010-06-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

We showed you the video Lauren shot for Jacques a while back...now guess what? SHE BOOKED THE COVER!

She looks stunning!! and not surprising this girl stays very down to earth and keeps working harder to achieve even more...Lauren is a true inspiration for other new models around the world.

SOMW loves Lauren Young!

Lauren is signed with MC2 Model Management in New York

modasphere is here!

2010-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

You all remembered we gave you a little hint a new casting system was coming along...and not the one you have heard is based in Slovenia or some far country like that...right here in the US of A.

Modasphere.com is here to revolutionize the way agencies work...how?

Imagine you (agents and bookers) being able to control the system form your iphone or your ipad? Being able to use any computer available to work from, without any necessity of installing big programs or systems...

The system that lets you do EVERYTHING in one simple click...

And on top of that...cheaper? is that even possible?

OH YES!

Modasphere is here to rock your worlds...

Where to find it? Wanna give us a call for a private viewing?

You can go to: http://www.modasphere.com

ENJOY!

ESMOD celebrates 22 years

2010-06-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

ESMOD INTERNATIONAL FASHION UNIVERSITY GROUP is the first fashion school established in France and founded in 1841 , ESOMD has an international network all over the world.

This year ESMOD Tunisia celebSOMWrated their 22 years anniversary by setting a big show in Tunis the capital of the country hosting all ESMOD representatives from all over the world. It gave the opportunity to show the great potential of Tunisian designers and we can notice the development of the fashion industry in this country. SOMW was proud to have been invited and being witness of this great event, we wish ESMOD many more years of success and a brilliant future generation of designers to come.

Hi I am Michelle and this is my story...

2010-06-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

My name is Michelle Cartwright, I am 18 years old from Long Island, New York and I currently attend the University at Buffalo and I am writing this today to tell you about my experiences in finding an agency to represent me in NYC.

When I was 9 months old I started my baby modeling career, which unfortunately only lasted until I was four years old when I told my mom that I didn’t “want to smile for the camera anymore”. From then up until just a year ago, I was involved in every sport you could think of and I basically lived a normal childhood. Last year (after high school ended) I decided (since I was no longer playing sports) that I would try modeling out again. My whole life I’ve been told that I should get back into modeling, and now that I have the time to put my full effort into it, I decided to pursue this career again.

All the shots I took with him were mostly high fashion and very serious. He wasn’t so sure that I could pull off the high fashion look at first (because normally when people look at me, they see a pretty ‘girl next door’ type of look). However, as he shot me, he changed his mind. The shoot was a success and such a great first experience. Joe told me I was a natural.

As soon as my mom and I got the pictures developed, we immediately emailed them to a bunch of different agencies online. This was a total bust however. We didn’t hear back from anyone really. Because the pictures we took were very high fashion looking, we decided to do an additional test shoot outside in natural light (bathing suit/and other more commercial looks). Once we finished that shoot we sent the pictures to our contact at Macy’s who loved them and referred us to the head of model casting at Macy’s. Once the head of model casting looked at the two shoots I had done, she too loved my pictures and referred us to a number of agencies in NYC that she books her models through.

Ford was considering me for the teen division, Wilhelmina told me I was too short right away (wanted me to be 5’10’’), and IMG took more than a week to deliberate whether I was right for their board, but Rene and Michael (manager and assistant manager of the women’s division at IMG) were two of the nicest people I met on my search for the right agency. The next day I had two more meetings with Click and Marilyn. We were referred to Click by another friend of a friend. When we met with the head of the women’s division at Click, she immediately said that I was beautiful but that they only take girls 5’10’’ and above.

At Marilyn, I immediately fell in love with the man Anthony that we met with. He was so interested in me, said I was beautiful, took digitals of me, and my mom and I had close to a 30 minute conversation with him just about me and what I want to do with a modeling career. When he got back to me about the board’s decision, he said that they all loved me as well, but the problem was that they already had 3 other girls on the board who had the same coloring and look as me (dark hair, green eyes). Even though they loved me, they felt it wouldn’t be fair to their existing models or to me. He suggested that I check back and send additional pictures in 3-6 months as models leave and change agencies often and the board could be completely different by then.

Our next stop was to the talent agency Abrams Artists. We were referred to them by one of my mom’s close friends who has been pushing my mom to get me back into modeling for years and is one of my biggest fans. I met with a very sweet man named Joe who was immediately interested in me for all aspects of his business from print to on camera/film. He talked to my mom and I for an hour about all the things I could do with their talent agency, we left very impressed and will most likely be signing with them for the on camera/film end of the business (for commercials).

Shawn loved me and referred me to the director Louise who literally has 40 years of experience in this business and simply made me feel comfortable and at home. She offered me a contract and even though we took it with us to look over, my mom and I knew that we found the right place for me. Even though they are smaller, I can look forward to a more personalized management experience and an agency that has huge potential for growth. I am so excited to be working with them and starting this new career, finally.

In summation, there are a lot of agencies out there and all of them seem to be looking for different things. For some I had the wrong look, some I was too short, some I was too pretty. My advice is to do your homework, ask advice from people in the industry, and never give up until you find the right fit for yourself. I’m looking forward to having an enjoyable and successful career and I wish luck to anyone reading this who has the same dream.

Hi I am Michelle and this is my story...

2010-06-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Whenever I had breaks and was able to come home from Buffalo, I would tell my mom to do some research for me to find out how to break into the industry. Our first step was to get some test shoots in (considering I had no professional pictures taken of myself yet). My first shoot was during my winter break from school with Joseph Paradiso, one of the photographers for the new faces division at NEXT. We found Joe from a friend of my aunt’s who works with Macy’s catalog division. He was absolutely great. He was patient and directed me extremely well. All the shots I took with him were mostly high fashion and very serious. He wasn’t so sure that I could pull off the high fashion look at first (because normally when people look at me, they see a pretty ‘girl next door’ type of look). However, as he shot me, he changed his mind. The shoot was a success and such a great first experience. Joe told me I was a natural.

This started our huge adventure with meeting some of the top agencies in NYC and the world. On my first day, I had meetings with Ford, Wilhelmina and IMG. Everyone I met was surprisingly nice to me. All of them reviewed my book, took digital pictures and asked me questions about my goals. Personally I was just happy they didn’t slam the door in my face (considering I had no experience, lol). Ford was considering me for the teen division, Wilhelmina told me I was too short right away (wanted me to be 5’10’’), and IMG took more than a week to deliberate whether I was right for their board, but Rene and Michael (manager and assistant manager of the women’s division at IMG) were two of the nicest people I met on my search for the right agency. The next day I had two more meetings with Click and Marilyn. We were referred to Click by another friend of a friend. When we met with the head of the women’s division at Click, she immediately said that I was beautiful but that they only take girls 5’10’’ and above. At Marilyn, I immediately fell in love with the man Anthony that we met with. He was so interested in me, said I was beautiful, took digitals of me, and my mom and I had close to a 30 minute conversation with him just about me and what I want to do with a modeling career. When he got back to me about the board’s decision, he said that they all loved me as well, but the problem was that they already had 3 other girls on the board who had the same coloring and look as me (dark hair, green eyes). Even though they loved me, they felt it wouldn’t be fair to their existing models or to me. He suggested that I check back and send additional pictures in 3-6 months as models leave and change agencies often and the board could be completely different by then.

Next, we were told about the agency APM Model Management through a friend of a friend. APM is a “boutique” modeling agency in NYC run by an extraordinary team with loads of industry experience. We met with Shawn who is formerly of DNA models, and now the director of new faces at APM. He was wonderful, filled with experience and is currently working on revamping APM with a new faces division and a new men’s division. Shawn loved me and referred me to the director Louise who literally has 40 years of experience in this business and simply made me feel comfortable and at home. She offered me a contract and even though we took it with us to look over, my mom and I knew that we found the right place for me. Even though they are smaller, I can look forward to a more personalized management experience and an agency that has huge potential for growth. I am so excited to be working with them and starting this new career, finally.

Gwendoline: A new short film

2010-06-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the Launch of Studio East Dining, photographer and film maker Jez Tozer created Gwendoline, a short film inspired by Bistrotheque’s unique fusion of food and fashion. The title was inspired by Studio East Dining’s singular hostess, Gwendoline Christie. Studio East Dining is located at Westfield Stratford City in London. Sorry New Yorkers, you must travel far for this one. The music behind this film, created by Daniel Pemberton, is fascinating and unique. All of the music was composed using sounds recorded during the construction of the structure.

Click here to watch this Short Film

- Kirt Reynolds

http://modelsoup.wordpress.com

Interview with fashion photographer Donald Johnson

2010-06-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

SOMW : How did you get into photography? How long have you been doing photography ? Can you tell us what encouraged you to be a photographer or what precisely inspired you .

Did you learn photography in specialized schools or did you learn it by yourself?

Donald : I've always loved photography, since when was child. I learned it during graphic design school but I realized that i had to learn more and then drove me to consult books and learn from practicing myself.

Working for few weeks in a photography studio I had the opportunity to learn more, giving me the passion I've always had.

SOMW: Any photographers that have influenced your career?

Donald : Years ago I was fascinated by David LaChapelle's works. Than, i was introduced to fashion industry and all about odd stuff.
Meeting with Tim Walker during his exhibition in Milan, I recognized the need to realize my photographic passion.

SOMW: How many pictures would you say you take to find "the right one” ?

Donald: Well, photo-editing it's the most important thing and in the same time the hardest to choose the right one photo.

Usually some photographers on 100 shots, they choose a couple.

SOMW : Do you prefer Black and white photos or color ones ?

Donald : I love both, each of color pictures are more direct and the subject is usually clear.

Instead, in black and white you have the chance of being able to relate the subject with the location.

SOMW : How do you choose your muse ? What do you do to stay inspired?

Donald : The most important thing for me is to convey exactly the personality of the model and it's not so easy to find the muse who is able to forward her beauty.

SOMW : I really love the way you seem to focus on the eye's of your subject in many of your shots . Do you make an effort to do this or is it just spontaneous talent that happens?

Donald : Everything about my works is spontaneous; I like to simply trasmit what my eyes want to see.

SOMW : What do you like the most about the Fashion industry ?

Donald : One of the most important things that's going to lead to lead to the most innovation about collections, between the art of photography and the passion.

SOMW: Do you prefer runaways or photo shoots? What do you enjoy shooting the most ?

Donald : I impressed a lot of work in the Gucci FW 2010 catwalk last Fashion Week but I guess i prefer to work with photo shoots because you can have more direct contact with the subject to represent.

SOMW : Most people think the life of a photographer is glamorous and they get to meet famous people, is it true ?

Donald : In part it's true, because it is a fascinating work, but like all jobs, you always must get the best from your works and what you want and it's not so easy.

SOMW : We’d like to know your opinion about the modeling world ? what do you think about it ? Does this industry represent danger for young girls? What advice would you give to every girl who want to become a model?

Donald : The fashion world represents the classy society and at the same time is like a circle of all those arts such as entertainments.

The only advice I can give about the young telents who want to model is to be themselves and give their best because it stands out the qualities of them.

SOMW: Who’s your favorite model?

Donald : One of my favorite model is Carmen Kass. But also like Anja Rubik, Anna Selezneva, Frida Gustavsson, Freja Beha and Natasha Poly.

SOMW : does it exist certain tips for a model to make it big in this very competitive industry ?

Donald : Well, in my opinion: just be yourself, work hard, do your best and not be swayed by people's opinion.

SOMW : To finish, allow me to ask you how did you hear about SOMW and what do you think about our organization ?

Donald : I found it by a person who advised me on web. I really like the structure of activities, from site layout to very updated fashion's content. Great Works.

SOMW : Thank You so much Donald and Good Luck !

Donald Johnson has been interviewed by Amna (SOMW)

New York and back Home again

2010-06-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

It was 2008, and I was 19, and moving to NY to pursue my dreams as a Ford Model. Slowly my life was about to change. Within the first week of settling into my apartment, picking up my first portfolio ever at Ford, I knew I was in way over my head. I would see girls on the street towering over me, at 5’11, long legs and always on the same castings as me. The first casting I ever went on with Ford, a Wal-Mart job for $1,000, I booked. And those girls I had seen on the street were the same ones I had beat out for the job. Things were looking up for me. Continuing for a little over eight months, I booked jobs every week, gaining more and more confidence in myself. After grazing the covers of Women’s World, an Italian Magazine, getting a few spread tear sheets in various magazines, meeting Donald Trump while on Celebrity Apprentice, and working for Ralph Lauren for his bathing suit collection, I was on the right path.

Coming from a small town of Grand Rapids, Michigan, word grew quick of my success. The local radio station contacted me as I was boarding my flight to Vegas for a job, and got me in for a phone interview after seeing my debut on Celebrity Apprentice. The ball continued to roll, and the Grand Rapids Press, got a hold of my recent modeling photos, and called me for an interview, placing me right on the front page next to Obama and the Iraqi war. I thought this was all a dream! Why would people want to read or listen to me about my modeling career? Since I was new to the industry in NY, getting signed by a top five agency was very hard to achieve, and I slowly began to realize that. Next thing I knew, my old high school called me in, while I was visiting in Michigan for a few weeks to interview me on an article, “High school graduates and their success”. I was the only one they had interviewed from all the successful high school grads.

By this time, more and more print work came my way, putting me on the cover of a book, and getting me in as an extra in Sex and the City 2. I loved it. But after all the jobs, going to numerous Yankees games, Giants game, dating a Jets player, and with all the money flowing in, I did miss home. I flew back to Michigan from Queens about every three months for two years. I put off school for two years to pursue my modeling career, and as my friends back home were graduating and celebrating, I felt like a piece of me was missing. I felt ahead of the game, and pursuing a real career in modeling, but I wanted a degree…I wanted something to fall back on in the slow months of modeling, or when I’m older down the road.

In January of 2010, I decided to move back home to Michigan to continue my education, transfer schools, and try and tie in modeling somehow to my work, school and social life back home. It was not an easy decision to move back. I cried in front of my boss at The Village Pourhouse on the UWS, and almost teared up in front of my booker at Ford. But without their confidence and support, the decision would’ve been a lot harder. Maybe I was just lonely? I still wonder today what triggered my decision to move back home.

Now, back home in Michigan for 2 months, in school to get a degree in Veterinary medicine, or a licensed dietician, I hope to tie in modeling somehow into these. I am still signed with Ford Chicago, and there is a local agency I have been modeling for, ever since I was just five years old. Luckily they still call, and little promotional jobs, or photo shoots will come in, but I do still miss the castings every day, and the cut-throat industry modeling was in NY. There isn’t anything like that here. If you’re cute…you’re in. If you’re cute in NY, you had to be tall, skinny, photogenic and a 24 inch waist. That is what pushed me to become a better model, and THAT is what I know of modeling. No one in Michigan understands what “modeling” is. To them, it’s photo shoots with horrible photographers who just want to take pictures, and getting jobs like handing out flyers at an auto show, etc. I do miss the industry parties, and the time I had in NY.

Even though a model doesn’t live in NY, it doesn’t mean he or she can’t still pursue their dreams. They say that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I think that after having been in NY for 2 years I do agree with that. After getting my face on a cover, a spread, on TV., on radio, in a movie, on Real World and in the Newspaper, I’ve just about hit every publication possible for me to succeed. My task now is going back and forth to NY. If someone wants to succeed, and the drive for success is there, they have to work for it. A piece of me is still left in NY, and I have accomplished a lot and no job is every a guarantee…but is anything ever a guarantee in life?

Modeling to me is a challenge. It pushes yourself, and makes you want to become a better person, inside and out. If the road comes where I do not go back to New York, my experience is more rewarding to me than anything. I’ve accomplished one of my biggest goals; getting signed by ford models... Now you just have to think about is, is it everything I wanted? At the end of the day, I’m thankful for the friends, clients and photographers I’ve met while in NY supporting me all the way through, putting my covers on their refrigerators .

Alexandra Rush

“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Reminder!! Sephora Hourglass Cosmetics Event tomorrow

2010-06-11T10:59:00.002-07:00

Friendly reminder to all of you, tomorrow we are happy to invite you to the Sephora Hourglass Cosmetics Event tomorrow at the Sephora Store located in Times Square...Event is from 2-7pm

We will be there taking snaps of attendees, of course making sure our guests are having fun and have some of our girls trying the new cosmetics coming out...

Models provided by Red Model Management

Come have fun, try some new make up...

We hope to see everybody there!

somw.org

Interview with Liset Garza - Make Up Artist

2010-06-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Entertaining and informative interview by Amna (SOMW) with the professional Make Up artist based in NYC “ Liset Garza” .

SOMW : Hello Liset ! Tell us about yourself and if you attended school or you’re a self taught make up artist ?

Liset: I just recently moved to NY from Los Angeles. I did attend school at MUDD in Burbank.

SOMW : At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a make-up artist and why? Anything special that inspired you ?

Liset : I would have to say it really started at a young age. Watching my mom and my cousin do there makeup and seeing how beautiful and confident they both felt after they were done. Whom really inspired me is both Max Factor and Dick Page. I am a lover of old movies and seeing how Max Factor transformed such actresses like Clara Bow and Jean Harlow and even watching I love Lucy and watching Max Factor's name in the credits as the Makeup Artist I didn't know that jobs like that even excited. So he played a HUGE roll in my life.

SOMW : What steps have you taken to get into the fashion industry ?

Liset : Some steps are testing with Photographers, networking with other artist and the biggest step I had made is moving to New York. The talent here is incredible and love being part of it.

SOMW: What is your favorite thing about your job?

Liset : The people I get to work with mostly.

SOMW : Is there anyone that you hope to work with in the future?

Liset : (smiles) being in Dick Page's team for fashion week.

SOMW : Is there anything you want people to know about you? Professionally or Personally?

Liset : I am a bit shy but I get the job done.

SOMW : what feature(s) do you like to accentuate .

Liset : I love eyebrows you can change a woman's futures by something as simple as a eyebrow.

SOMW : what are the difference between applying make up on model and on real woman ? ( laughing)

Liset : ekkk... models don't ask to many questions when you apply there make up as real woman do. (laughs)

SOMW : you , most of the time work with models right? Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with a model ?

Liset : no, not yet. let's knock on wood about that.

SOMW : what was you best experience working as a make up artist ?

Liset : Seeing your work on a magazine for the very first time.

SOMW : What do you think about SOMW ?

Liset : I think its wonderful and its very informative. Thank you for having a site like this

one.

SOMW : Well thank you Lizet for this lovely interview . SOMW wishes to you the best of luck !

by Amna B

Model Behavior: Matvey Lykov -The Engaging And The Most Misunderstood

2010-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

SOMW is recently collaborating with The Model Soup, more news to come about that soon...but we want to share with you an interview Geraldine had with Matvey...great interview and lets us know a side of Matvey nobody has caught until now...

For more you can visit: http://modelsoup.wordpress.com/

This past Thursday I met up to chat with Matvey of Fusion Models. We decided the best way to meet and talk would be at Fusion Models, here in NYC. I showed up on time, but as many know, models always seem to run late. He was running about 30 minutes late for our appointment. This was the first time we ever met, but the conversations that day was engaging and very intellectually stimulating. Matvey arrives in a crisp white button-down Ralph Lauren Polo shirt and dark denim jeans, as though he just came off a page of a magazine editorial. You can tell when he arrived he was a seasoned pro. His charm overpowers the interview. Matvey is a happy individual who made me laugh during the Q & A. This interview was about 1 hour long, which I had to edit a lot out that didn’t pertain to the segment. Hopefully I was able to give you, the readers much more insight to this beautiful person. Not just physical beauty but inner beauty.

Matvey: Hi I’m Matvey. Sorry I’m late. This time difference is affecting my sleep.

ModelSoup: Hi. Nice to finally meet you. Did you just arrive?

Matvey: I arrived from Paris on Monday and still recovering.

ModelSoup: How long will you be here in New York for?

Matvey: Just till this Monday and flying back to Paris for the shows.

ModelSoup: Well thank you for taking time out from your busy schedule to meet with me. Shall we begin? Let’s start off with the basic questions first… Where are you from and How old are you? Let me just turn on my recorder.

Matvey: What is that device?

ModelSoup: Oh it’s my video recorder to document the interview, instead of writing our conversation down.

Matvey: No…No… No videos.

ModelSoup: No it’s not going to be in the post. It’s only for my use for my records. Promise will not be shown publically.

Matvey: Ok. But where did you get that device? And what is it?

Modelsoup: At an event. In a goodie bag, they said it was a disposable recorder, but I knew it had to be not. It’s great it helps me a lot with my writing and work. It’s a FLIP camera/video recorder (I’m not promoting this certain recorder). Ok where were we… let’s begin.

Matvey: I’m from Saint Petersburg, Russia and I’m 23 years old.

ModelSoup: Now you mention you just arrived from Paris, France. Are you living there now? What are you doing in Paris?

Matvey: I just got placed there. I am now with Success Models in Paris. My mother agent is Fusion. I’ve been living there now for 3months. Not that long and not that short either.

(While saying this Matvey is giving me a charismatic grin and charm)

ModelSoup: Do you love Paris?

Matvey: Yes I love Paris. I love Paris as much I hate it. I hate it as much as I love it.

(Matvey putting on that charming grin when he says these words)

ModelSoup: What do you hate about Paris?

Matvey: Hate is such a strong word. No, let me rephrase that. It’s just getting use to the place. I’ve just lived so long here in New York. I’m so use to this place and getting transplanted to another city and country is disconcerting. Getting use to a new environment. I’m just getting use to it. Paris is a beautiful place.

ModelSoup: It is beautiful. You just need time to settle down and explore the new city you are living now. Are you in model housing or do you have your own place?

(As I say this Matvey is shaking his head and grinning)

Matvey: No.No.No that will not do. That is not for me. That is not happening in my life.

ModelSoup: (laughing) So no model housing for you. I take it you have your own place?

Matvey: Yes. No model housing.

ModelSoup: Trust me, I’ve heard horror stories. (laughing)

Matvey: Yes. Finally I have my own place after 3 years of being homeless.

ModelSoup: 3 years of being homeless. Oh my… don’t break my heart.

Matvey: 3 years of living in a suitcase and traveling. It’s pretty intense. It’s melancholy. You just asked yourself it would be nice to have my own bed.

ModelSoup: Since you have been traveling alot, have you gone back to Russia?

Matvey: No. I haven’t gone back. I got bored living there all my life. I wanted to explore other countries and be exposed to different cultures. I got this great opportunity to do just that.

ModelSoup: You wanted adventure. But don’t you miss family, friends, etc… I’m sure you miss home?

Matvey: Yes of course. I’m very close to my family. I call my parents every day. Just to call. I don’t know why I just do it.

ModelSoup: Who are you close with the most and miss the most?

Matvey: I miss my grandmother. This is not acceptable. I haven’t seen her in a very long time. I call my family every day. It just not the same. I don’t think she understands what I do or why I am traveling all the time. I think I confuse her. She’s been living in her small town all her life and she see her grandson who is this person who is always in a different country. She doesn’t understand.

ModelSoup: Will you start to teach her how to use Skype, since it would be easier for both of you to at least see each other?

Matvey: Yes. I will probably have to go to Russia. Give her my old computer and install internet in the house. It will be difficult I need to figure out how to make it easier. For now she can call me she has a phone.

ModelSoup: Let’s get back on track. How long have you been modeling?

Matvey: I think the anniversary is today (June 3^rd) or yesterday. It’s been 2 to 3 years now. I think it’s pretty sharp. 2 to 3 years ago I was at this office standing over there (pointing to the white wall at the corner near the fridge) taking poloraids.

ModelSoup: So did you go to open call?

Matvey: I didn’t know what open call was… what is this open call? I came to New York and just went to this office. This girl greeted me at the front desk and asked me what I want. I told her I don’t know what I want, but I’m here. You know better. We went back and forth until they signed me.

ModelSoup: (laughing) Wow. Did you speak fluently English at the time?

Matvey: Yes. When I arrived here I knew my English. It was just difficult to understand the different dialects and the diversity of accents in this city. It overwhelmed me when I first arrived. But it’s getting better.

ModelSoup: How did you decide, ok I’m going to be a model? Did you just wake up and say this is what I want to do with my life? What made you get into this profession?

Matvey: Everywhere I went everyone told me I should be a model. When I came to visit New York, I decide this was the place to see if I could become a model. I figured it would be the best place to start.

ModelSoup: Tell me what current campaigns have you done?

Matvey: I don’t know, I would have to ask my agent (looking over to her desk he finds her busy on the phone). I don’t care about what jobs I get booked for. It’s more about the outcome and the results at the end. For me I like to deal more with the process and the involvement of the work I do. I like working with the photographers, stylists, and the team. The result is the most important to me when I do a campaign, editorial, or even a test shoot.

ModelSoup: Would you say that you wouldn’t get upset if you didn’t get the job such as a campaign or editorial?

Matvey: No. I wouldn’t get upset. I don’t see what the point is. These things happen. If you let those things affect your life… they bring so much negativity. I just try to move on from the disappointment. I try to be happy I don’t want to be frustrated. I don’t remember the bad moments only good moments of my life.

ModelSoup: What can you tell me about the shows you have done? Do you have any interesting stories?

Matvey: I don’t remember. The shows are for me a blur. You just need to go to the next one and the next one. There’s a schedule to keep up with. The only one I remember was a show that the runway was so long. I was the opening model for the show and it was taking forever just to get to the end. All I remember was that the casting director was telling me that I have to walk faster because a certain model was behind me and she was going to walk faster, and if I didn’t do so she would crash into me on the runway. I was so nervous who was this model ? Who was going to run me over? (laughing) Also another show I did this guy in front of me was walking like a penguin. I had a hard time not laughing and holding a straight face. I kept thinking walk faster penguin because I can’t hold the laughter anymore. Seriously, this model had a backpack on the runway and he walked like a penguin all the time I just kept thinking there’s a penguin on the runway!

(at this moment we both started to laugh so hard at this story… it took us a few moments to get back to the interview)

ModelSoup: Let me get my composure back and wipe away the laughter tears. Now tell me do you have a good luck charm or something you take with you all the time?

Matvey: Yes. I do! But I left him at my apt, cause I rushed to get here.

ModelSoup: What is it?

Matvey: it’s a gingerbread man toy. I got him with 5 other gingerbread men. I got them from my friends before I left Russia. He goes with me everywhere. He is very well traveled. He is this small (3 inches tall). He can speak he has movable limbs and he is 3-dimensional.

ModelSoup: Wait… Is the toy from Shrek the Disney Movie?

Matvey: Yes, he came from a McDonalds Happy Meal. I’m not in any way advertising McDonalds, but I love my gingerbread man toy. He is awesome! He can speak. He gets happy and sad. He’s amazing. I take him with me all over. I take random pictures with him all the time. If you Google me you probably can find me with him on the beach in The Dominican Republic.

Modelsoup: (laughing) that is I think the most cutest thing I have ever heard.

Matvey: I remember now… I just did the H&M campaign. I’m so afraid right now to go into the stores. I don’t want to be mobbed by people and get chase, cause I’m the face of H&M. So I might not be visiting H&M for a long time when my campaign is up.

ModelSoup: Trust me you will be fine. They won’t recognize you. You should go and see your work. Take your friends with you. You won’t get chased. I’ve done it many times before with other models to see their ad campaigns at the stores, and people really don’t pay attention. Unless you have insane fans who know you are going to that particular store on that certain time. You will be ok.

Matvey: I really don’t go into the stores. I don’t see myself.

ModelSoup: What do you mean you don’t see yourself? When you walk on the streets and see billboards or storefronts, you don’t notice that you are on the displays?

Matvey: This is what strange about me. I just walk and don’t pay attention to my surroundings. If I have to be somewhere, I just go and I’m not aware of anything around me.

Modelsoup: You have a one tracked mind. You are very focused.

Matvey: Yes. When I’m focused, I’m not focused in something else. If music is being played in my car to loud I go blind. I can’t concentrate. I don’t like things that are loud. I like soft soothing sounds. Maybe that is why I am as you say focus.

ModelSoup: You seem to be a happy person.

Matvey: I am a happy person. I get this reputation that I’m a bitch. That I’m difficult to work with. Really I’m not. There’s a good reason for this. I get angry when I don’t eat. Eating is very important. When I go to a job and there is no catering or no food and I’m working all day with nothing in me. I remain quiet. Cause if I don’t, I will say something bad. I just stay quiet and just think if I don’t eat something soon I’m going to faint. So everyone thinks that I’m bitchy and have a bad attitude, when actuality, I’m just hungry and waiting when I can go and get to eat. This is important. You must feed your body to be happy. Your body needs energy. So you take time to eat. Little here, little there. In this industry we are always on the go, always moving. We need to not starve ourselves and sit down take a moment and put some nourishment in our body. This way we would be much happier. This is the most important part of the job… catering… food.

(again we are both laughing)

ModelSoup: Mental note I have to feed the models. Hahahaha.

Matvey: In this case, the show I like the most would be Raf Simons, because of the clothes and the food. They have the best catering. Everyone wants to be in the Raf Simons show, not just for the clothes. The clothes are beautiful. But when you get booked for his show, you know the food is going to be good. You are just waiting for what delicious catering they have every year.

ModelSoup: We have exhausted this conversation on food. You seem to love to eat. How do you stay in shape, since you seem to eat a lot?

Matvey: I swim, but if I don’t swim I still don’t gain weight. I can eat a lot and not gain weight. I guess I’m lucky that way.

ModelSoup: Amazing. Lucky you. (laughing) What do you do for fun?

Matvey: I stay home. I like to stay in and read and cook. Now I have a home, I can relax. I don’t go out often.

ModelSoup: Do you like a favorite smell?

Matvey: I like the smell of fall when it rains. That reminds me of home. It reminds me of my childhood in Russia.

ModelSoup: This is our last question. If you weren’t modeling what would you be doing?

Matvey: I like managing and producing. The process excites me. Possibly something to do in the film industry. I like cinema.

ModelSoup: Cinema. So what would you say is your favorite film at this moment?

Matvey: I love the film called Mister Lonely. It stimulates you thought process in every scene. The feelings and thoughts are well made. It’s about relationships and all in metaphors.

ModelSoup: Thank you Matvey. I think we are done.

Matvey: That’s all. I talk too much. It was a pleasure to meet you. (Matvey kisses me goodbye on both cheeks) Ah…we must say goodbye the french way.

-By Geraldine Laiz

From Maxim to the DJ turntables

2010-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Annmarie Nitti a great model, even more incredible friend and SUPERB model has gone DJ...oh yeah but not any DJ, she has signed with STADJ an agency that manages only female model DJs, they scout, train and then manage their career.

Annmarie has had a good modeling career that can just get better, appearing in numerous magazines and having SEVERAL appearances in Maxim, Annmarie is becoming a force to be reckon with; to this we say CONGRATULATIONS!

You will be hearing a lot more from our great friend and supporter Annmarie, we will be following her career closer both as a model and as a DJ, hey who knows maybe we will have her spin at our upcoming summer bash.

Annmarie Nitti is managed by Wilhelmina Model Management, for any modelnig special requests or bookings you can contact: rachel.strayer@wilhelmina.com for DJ bookings you can go to: http://www.stadj.com

A talk with Toni from Brand Model Management - Finland

2010-06-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the following interview by Amna ( SOMW) with the managing director of Brand model management “Toni Korpineva”

SOMW : To start let’s talk about Brand ! How did you get the initial idea to create your agency ? What inspired or encouraged you ?

Toni: It's the most often asked question! My personal background is in timeshare industry, and I never thought I'd like to go for modeling or even fashion industry. I've always been orientated way that it seemed possible, though, but it was more coincidence. I met couple of guys about seven years ago, and they had kind of dream and plan found an agency "because the market had been so long time stuck". That was actually fact, so even that first touch never grew up to be serious business, I kept following the business here and abroad, and 2004 made a question to some people - and myself - why couldn't it work? So we created own concept, and opened 2005 February.

What inspires me, and our small crew, is finding the best way to make young people successful. This is just one way among sports or music to make it happen, but even more hectic schedule. But when it happens, you can really feel happy for these young people.

SOMW: can you clarify what the role of a manager in a modeling agency consists of? What are your everyday duties?

Toni: Of course everyday duty is to keep basic business and agency running as any other office. But behind that is the common atmosphere, and the motivational level you first have to create. As a model manager you have to be also trainer, like every sports team require. There's no Manchester United or Real Madrid without that: One of the first things managers should remember is that girls are not working for you, but you work for every each of them. Like elected politician, you have chance to do big things, but people are watching you. You always hold responsibility. When manager is trusted and appreciated, models believe in you, follow your instructions, and play as a team. That's why I also think, they deserve to know much more they usually do: to understand the logistics, get into the idea and also be able to grow big names inside the business. Career is a journey, and managers draw the map for their models.

SOMW: What advice and tips would you give To any young girl who want to model? Should they be aware?

Toni : If you want to be a singer, you have to be able to sing well. If you want to be high jumper, you have to jump high. If you want to be a surgeon, you have to study hard and not make mistakes. Like every professions, a girl might have pleasing appearance, but it's just the start. The rest doesn't have any difference to any career building: nothing beats smart plans and hard work. There's loads of gifted ones lost, and loads of b-class trying day after day: what this business needs, is more honesty and straight talking. It's not cool to tell nice things to young girls or guys, but rather say it straight! We found out, that when I started to tell exactly what I thought and what are requirements, and what is needed to get to this business and our agency, some girls really surprised me with their actions. Still, I can't even fully understand, is this so great thing that you train over a year with more motivation than most athletes? But it seems to be happening, when we are open and honest.

Models should always realize, that only the good agencies hold the good clients, and that modeling is not to get in an agency, but really work, and also work the way that it brings more jobs.

SOMW : Some models have been victims of sexual harassment, do you think that there is a lack of protection from the agencies or could there be other reasons? What is the best way to avoid such incidents ?

Toni: This hardly never happens, IF model has right reasons to be where she is, and she's guided well and she knows why she's working. Young girls getting new big cities without a clue what happens, can be totally lost. And the first nice person can often be the wrong person. But mostly in this issue I point out we talk about responsibility of a MOTHER AGENCY! Most of the troubles start from there; from greedy people who just scout loads of girls and "bet" with girls, if they succeed, sending them all over the world. Modeling isn't about luck, neither is sports. From strategy to hard work - and together with the model, as an individual. Agencies in Paris, Milan or other main markets can't follow every girl and it wouldn't be normal anyway: as a mother agent I feel I need to make sure girls travel when they actually are ready to take responsibility of themselves and their actions, and also go to work. Not to have fun.

SOMW : What’s the coolest part to work in the fashion industry? Any Specific good memories from a fashion show or event that you can share with us?

Toni : The best of the fashion industry are definitely the most characteristic people and personalities you learn to know! My strength is probably the cartoon-kind-of-sense-of-humor, that helps keep sane in this business. But thinking it the right way, it makes every trip and occasion surprising and memorable - and of course we are middle of creative people! Especially in high level of fashion and modeling, it's fascinating to see that models really play the key part when artists work. There wouldn't Lagerfeld, Meisel or their creations the way we know them without right models. After all, it's all about cooperation; a work between people, to people.

There's a lot of memories, but the funniest part can hurt some people's feelings if telling the stories, so I rather not. But naturally, for me and our agency, the most remarkable moment was during shows when our Kirsi opened and closed Christopher Kane and we knew "It will happen now!". Also, when Vogue Italia cover came out - that was something. And as funny as it seems to sound, we are the first agency catching Meisel's cover although there's been agencies in Finland since 1982.

SOMW : Can you tell us a secret? (laughing)

Toni: I'll lose my touch the moment I have one.

SOMW: What are your future Projects?

Toni: Bringing up the first true Finnish fashion photographer, who can make a career internationally.

SOMW : What do you think about SOMW ?

Toni : All good information channels that includes professional information with good quality, are welcome. Professionally produced media keeps us focused on right things, and in this business, help avoid the risks and dangers there might be.

SOMW : Thank you Toni for this interesting interview, I bet that many of our readers are very grateful for those informations and all the best to Brand models !

Charlotte de Bleecker new SOMW Belgian beauty

2010-06-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough to find this girl just yesterday...she is in China right now and arriving to her home country Belgium in June.

SOMW has decided to represent Charlotte as her mother agency, we are very excited to start the development process with her and place her with the right agencies around the globe.

Charlotte is not just a beautiful young woman that has dreams of model stardom but also has a set focus on helping people and is going to start medical school in the fall, to become a doctor and help others...can she the tough industry of modeling and her school at the same time? her answer was straight up YES...this girl can do anything, we are very excited to start working with her.

Robert Cassidy, fashion photographer, in China was the one that found Charlotte for us...oh yes we are truly lucky

Welcome to SOMW Charlotte!

Our newest discovery - Dina El

2010-05-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Dina was referred to us by a good friend...when we met her for coffee last Friday we had no idea what to expect...

Then a tall skinny but curvy model walks in catching the attention of everybody in the room.

Amazing personality, funny, witty, personable, stunning looks...hair of a sexy lioness and an attitude that says hey, what the hell is just modeling!

We signed her right there and then...who is she going with? we do not know yet, we haven't decided...so to all you agents reading this...keep your eyes open for her introduction, we will be backing this girl up 100% of the way.

Welcome to the family Dina!

Jaslene and Elle creating beautiful art

2010-05-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

Elle Muliarchyk the top model that turned into an important art photographer has sent us first glance of her last shoot and with non other than Jaslene from Americas Next Top Model.

"Since I don't pursue my "Super-model-dom" dream as vigorously these days as my photography I still love girls who are the last remaining models who are beautiful, powerful, relentlessly inspiring- and inspired - women. I teamed up with Jaslene Gonzalez, a winner of American Top Model, for a little shoot which turned out wonderful. She was a dream!"

- Elle

somw.org

SOMW Chicago Launch Party

2010-05-27T10:19:00.001-07:00

We want to invite you all to our SOMW Chicago Launch Party tomorrow.

For all of you SOMW'ers in the greater Chicago area...stop by, have a drink on us...if you can donate to help Breast Cancer we are supporting the American Cancer Society.

We are gla to announce we keep growing and bringing you news an information you love.

We hope to bring you even better things in the future.

Stay Fashionable!

somw.org

Miss Ronde 2010

2010-05-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

You probably, remember the beautiful curvy 23 years old French “Angelique Alves” ! Angelique, a plus size model that sent few weeks ago a letter to SOMW sharing with us her experience and little secrets about being a plus size model and how much she’s proud of herself.

Well Sunday the 6th of May Angelique Won “Miss ronde France 2010” translated in English “ Miss Curves of France 2010”.

Congrats Angelique and as French people say BRAVO ! SOMW Wishes to you the best of luck !

You can find more information on yahoo.com where they did a feature on Angelique.

Walker Brockington shot for Paper Planes Magazine

2010-05-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hello SOMW!

Our most recent editorial in Paper Planes Magazine #3, shot with Dior House DJ: Harley Viera-Newton (Elite Models+).

Thanks-Walker and Fernando

www.walkerbrockington.com
www.fer-oz.com (Fernando Lahoz's website)

Lauren Young for FHM

2010-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

June issue of FHM for being a AXE girl!!

Go buy it at a magazine stand near you!

Congratulations Lauren! very very hot

Lauren Young with MC2 Model Management

New SOMW community

2010-05-24T10:32:00.001-07:00

A lot of you have been waiting and asking about the new SOMW coming soon...

Well before we launch it we want to pick your brain...

What do you want to see there? What do you want to read? What would you like to find that makes your life better?

We want to try to please everybody...we are pretty sure this new network will make everyone lives easier, we just want to make it perfect for you...

Let us know...we want to hear from you! secrets@somw.org

Also on another note if you happen to be in Chicago this upcoming weekend, stop by the SOMW CHICAGO Launch event! that's right...is already that time...we are ready to rock Chicago!

You can go to our Chicago blog: http://somwchicago.blogspot.com

Shooting with Marki Shkreli

2010-05-21T12:09:00.001-07:00

Our amazing friend and featured photographer Marki Shkreli is shooting at one of the SOMW apartments some girls from Marilyn and Wilhelmina...

Final look? You will see it next week...

Remember if you want to test with him go to: www.somw.org and go under photographers for more information.

Marki is definitely a guy you NEED to shoot with.

Happy Birthday Angelee King

2010-05-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

We wanna give a shout out to our good friend and supporter Angelee King...

Happy Birthday!!! This is a model who isnt afraid to tell her age...25 glorious years and oh yes she looks amazing like always.

On another note yes you have seen those commercials for Smooth Away? Thats her! (she is going to kill us for this...who cares she knows here at SOMW we love her).

Happy Birthday and tonight we celebrate and toast to you!

SOMW loves Angelee!

somw.org

Reminder Sophie Elgort

2010-05-19T10:50:00.001-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that the Studio Launch is tonight! I am so glad that you can make it!

Updated Details:

The launch event is TONIGHT Wednesday May 19th from 7-10pm at Alibi Salon in Soho on 67 Greene Street (between Broome and Spring) Suite 2. There will be drinks (thanks to Sobieski Vodka) and snacks (thanks Pop Chips and Cupcakes baked by Tawny Ong) and selected photos from my portfolio will be displayed around the space!

Looking forward to seeing you!

somw.org

Kirt Reynolds talks to SOMW

2010-05-18T14:08:00.001-07:00

Dear SOMW,

To answer some of the questions you've asked. I knew I wanted to be a photographer since I was about 8 years old. Growing up in Fayetteville Arkansas, my first influence was my grandmother, Billie Joe Reynolds.

She was a designer, specializing in fashion advertising and owned her own graphic design agency. My mother was another big influence for me Deborah Hartwell, a feature writer and photographer for many local publications in arkansas.

Also my Father Gordon Reynolds is a structural engineer out of Bentonville Ar. I was constantly surrounded by my fathers blueprints and drawings, my grandmothers designs and my mothers photography and writing. So the creativity is in my blood. Probably my biggest influence in my career choice was my mothers dear Friend Don House.

Don is a brilliant photographer based out of northwest arkansas. Don specializes in black and white film portraits. (http://www.donhousephotoworks.com) Growing up in fayetteville, Don photographed me and my family as often as possible.

He was by far my biggest inspiration. I have been living in New york since 2007, and I have been working as a full time photographer for the past 13 months. My goal now, is to keep doing what I am doing and push forward. From what Ive been told, I have achieved something very hard.

Working in the field I love, for myself.. and surviving only on that, is a nearly impossible task in New York. So, this alone inspires me daily to keep going.

To sum up what I envision in my work is nothing but "a legacy." I am not trying to be one of those groundbreaking photographers. I started off taking portraits, and thats what I do. I photograph people. Moving to New york has just given me the opportunity to shoot more beautiful people. Working in the fashion industry has definitely made me realize where I need to be. I honestly stumbled upon it. Back in 2008 I discovered model and my best friend Keith Browning. Keith has been signed to ReQuest models since late 2008. Since shooting him I have fallen in love with this world we call "fashion". Before then I was shooting mostly Artistic portraits, Families and bands. Finding what you love to do can only take one moment. My life is defined by those moments.

My three tips for models to prepare for a big shoot are... Number one: GET SLEEP! Rest is always important. It is never fun so have a model show up to a shoot that looks like they have been run over my a truck. Number two: Be well groomed. Models... especially you boys. We provide hair and makeup... we dont provide showers! No one likes a smelly dirty model. Yeah, you cant smell a picture... But we can smell you while we are taking them. Number three: Show up on time... Im tired of my interns making bets on whos going to be late to the shoot. 1, new models or foreign models... always over prepare.. they will be early or on time. Experienced models (aka: the cocky ones) always late. As much as I hate to say it.... they are right. Quit living up to your stereotypes! oh and PS... If I have to tell another model to spit out their gum. Im gonna scream! I like nice breath... but dont chew it infront of my camera! :)

Businessman Matan Uziel Calls Natalia Vodianova to Join National Eating Disorders Association Ambassadors Council

2010-05-14T10:21:00.001-07:00

Verbmodels Senior Executive & NEDA's Ambassador Matan Uziel (25), held a press conference on the topic of "Fashion Industry May Be Fuelling Eating Disorders In Women", claiming more focus is needed on reducing obsessive dieting, bad eating habits and body dissatisfaction amongst young people around the world, filled with promise and talent.

"It's a mistake to think that Anorexia nervosa among models has somewhat receded, because it's still occuring in fashion industry", protested Uziel. No one is saying fashion causes all eating disorders, but with the fashion industry seemingly pushing for smaller and skinnier models and the press portraying them as something special, there is plenty of blame for an eating disorder and the media can be partially responsible.

When a reporter asked a question regarding whether Uziel thinks that the fashion industry fuelling the rise in eating disorders, answered Uziel that "fashion has a bad reputation as a whole, it's notoriously animal unfriendly, and pushes unhealthy body trends to the masses, and there are many people especially in this industry that are responsible for the current situation around the world, but not only them".

Uziel thinks that "it's obvious that a vast change would only come from the inside, where positive role models should take the reins and set a good example on young girls".

One of the more interesting moments came when a journalist asked him if they at NEDA were trying to recruit any top models to spread the word, Uziel replied, "I was trying to contact Natalia Vodianova for many times through the Naked Heart Foundation and different agents in order to ask for her help but I have never heard back and I felt very disappointed and frustrated. So, though Vodianova attends the CFDA's panel talks on model health and body image in the fashion industry, she doesn't seem to take any significant, strong positions to fight the rigid body ideals that contribute to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders which is a shame, and on behalf of the National Eating Disorders Association, I urge Ms. Vodianova to take responsibility as a public figure and begin to challenge some of the assumptions that the only way to be beautiful and successful is to be thin", added Uziel.

"The issue of eating disorders can be remarkably fortunate with regard to its celebrity support. And in particular, Vodianova, can help advance the issue in a very specific and much-needed area", he summarized .

9 year old supermodel status

2010-05-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

*Article provided by CBS

(CBS) Fatima Ptacek is one of the hottest, highest-paid models around, and has appeared in multiple television shows and movies, reportedly making $250,000 a year.

She is also 9-years-old, and attends fourth grade in a public school in Queens, New York.

This young rising star appeared on "The Early Show" Tuesday and shared what's behind her pretty face.

Ptacek says she wants to become a lawyer, go to Harvard and eventually become the first female president.

But for now, she's modeling and acting, and making her mark on the industry.
Already, she's appeared on "Saturday Night Live" twice, appeared in a Catherine Zeta-Jones movie, has starred in a lead role in the upcoming movie "The Miracle of Spanish Harlem."

And now she's pen pals with Michelle Obama. Ptacek met the Obama on the set of "Sesame Street," where she acted opposite the first lady.

Ptacek said Obama was "very down to earth."

"I look up to her - literally," she said.

But how does she find the time to do it all?

Ptacek explained to "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez that she tries to do as many things after school as she can. However, if it's really important, she'll get out early or miss school to make a gig.
When Ptacek said she missed school to appear on the broadcast, Rodriguez apologized.

But Ptacek says she's fine with it.

Ptacek is in a program for gifted students at her school and says, "I got to keep up. But I'm doing it."

But what about the money she's making as model. Ptacek's father says she's going to have it when she turns 21, and she has to go to college.

For now, though, Ptacek is doing what she's always done.

She explained, "When I was really young, my parents thought that I was really outgoing and I was always entertaining somebody. And a lot of people were saying, 'Oh, she's so pretty, she should be in movies She's so great. She's so funny.' So my parents found a modeling agency."

Rodriguez remarked that Ptacek has an interesting look.

Ptacek said her mother is from Ecuador and her father is Norwegian, Czechoslovakian, Irish and Columbian.

But Ptacek says she's not different from any other kid - even when she's starring opposite celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"I'm pretty humble," she said. "…I don't think I'm different from anybody else."

Ptacek has three brothers and an older sister. She says her brothers are "very protective" of her, and her sister is "there for her a lot" and tells her she's proud of her.

In her sparse spare time, Ptacek likes to read. She told Rodriguez she's just finished the Harry Potter series and is now working on The Sisters Grimm series.

**Article provided by cbsnews.com you can find it on: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/11/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main6472111.shtml

Dear SOMW - Nashville needs help!

2010-05-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

We received this letter from Esseri Holmes a model based in Nashville, a long time friend of SOMW and a beautiful soul...

If you have not even heard about what happened in Nashville you must be living under a rock...please take a moment and read this...
and yes of course SOMW will be helping out, so wait for our next fundraiser to help our brothers and sisters in Nashville

Dear SOMW,

One of the great cities in our nation's heartland was hit hard this week. As many of us stood by helpless to stop the terencial rain from flooding Nashville we are now faced with the sobering reality that much of music city and many surrounding suburban areas are under water. The Cumberland River crested at over 51.5 ft on Mon,03/10. Officials have reported at least 30 dead and fear they will find many more by the time the water level has dispersed.

The city has bound together tightly to form healing connections and try to empower the victims of this horrifying experience. Two of the young ladies doing so are fashion models Amber Williams and Esseri Holmes. Along with their love of couture they also feel the need to express their compassion and appreciation for their home town by bringing awareness and helping hands to the Greater Nashville Area. They have been focused on helping families with flooded homes move their belongings and livelihood to dry ground and they both feel a strong need to bring funding and major awareness to charities such as Hands on Nashville http://www.hon.org (a charity where the money gets funneled directly to the cause in Nashville) and the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/. .

As you all know it is fabulous to be fashionable, but it is also fabulous to be charitable. Please help the city Nashville to achieve a speedy recovery.

Esseri Holmes

SOMW Invites you to BCBG Shopping Event....YES today!

2010-05-06T10:01:00.001-07:00

BCBG is having a huge shopping event at their flagship store, located at: 66th Street and Madison Avenue.

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Enjoy discounts of 20% off of EVERYTHING at store...when you get there ask for Maria and tell them you are there on behalf of SOMW, she will be taking good care of you and your friends...

Enjoy some food and drinks while you shop around and enjoy the party...

Have fun and enjoy BCBG

Dear SOMW letter by Samantha Cadou

2010-05-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear SOMW,

Like many other aspiring as well as working models, I had dreamt of becoming a model since I was a child. I grew up with an utter fascination with beauty and the glamorous life. Models seemed to have it all, money, fame, and undeniably stunning features. They got to travel the world, wear beautiful designer clothes, and go to fabulous events. I envied them with their impeccable bodies and jet-setting lifestyle.

I wanted all that. I wanted to see my face in that Victoria’s Secret catalogue and on the runway in Paris. I believed that could be me in the Vogue spreads and Guess advertisements. I felt in my heart that I had the potential to be a successful model. I felt like, if only that could be me, I would be utterly and completely content. If only I could achieve my dreams of becoming a model I could die happy. In addition to my own conviction, many have told me that I look like a model. I’m tall, naturally thin, I have great hair, clear skin, a winning smile and a determined attitude. So I set out to make it a reality.

Little did I know what I was getting myself into…

Over the course of the last 4 years, I took action. I found an agency in a nearby city that was interested in representing me, known for booking jobs for local Saks Fifth Ave events and Beall’s catalogue. I then put together a comp card for the agency from pictures from my first photo shoot. The pictures were decent but not up to my true potential. I didn’t book any jobs through the agency but went around to local retail stores, and emailed my pictures to local magazine editors. I got some work, but mostly modeled for charity events. Unfortunately, a lot of the times it was for no pay but it was a good way to get practice and get myself out there. I did a couple other shoots with photographers that were more glamour and cheesy than fashion/editorial (Unbeknown to me at the time). I visited Miami for the first time with my measly excuse for a book and made the rounds at the agencies. The reaction I got was that I was “too commercial” or just “not right for us”. I left Miami feeling down, but not broken.

During this time, I started a job as a receptionist at a salon and spa and decided to dye my hair brown from blonde. It drastically changed my look for the better into a more sophisticated and unique me. The change motivated me even more to continue to pursue modeling.

I was more confident with my new brunette do, and pursued modeling with even more certainty. I was set on making it onto my favorite show, America’s Next Top Model, so I attended the castings calls every 6 months or so and sent in video submissions (7 total to be exact). That never panned out, because in my opinion, they want drama and I’m really just a laid back and amicable person.

I did several photo shoots and with each one gained experience in front of the camera. I did research online and looked through magazines constantly to try to determine the kinds of images I needed for the agencies. Then I found an amazing photographer in Miami to do a shoot with through model mayhem. He was super helpful and encouraging and really captured my potential. After reviewing the pictures, I was elated with the outcome and thought for sure these pictures would get an agency interested in representing me.

I then made countless visits to all the big agencies in Miami, New York, and even LA with my new and improved book. I was spending all my time, effort, and money in trips to the agencies. And the consistent result…Rejection! That was what I was faced with over and over again. Even with these new pictures that I thought were going to change my unfortunate fate! The response was not what I had hoped. I’ve been to agencies where they do show interest but then they say they can’t bring me on at this time or some variation of that. It has been a completely disheartening and emotionally draining process. I’ve literally been close to losing my sanity.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am completely aware that this is a tough business and these are tough economic times. It is a one in a million kind of industry. Like I read on this site, becoming a successful model seems to be attributed a lot to luck and who you know. Truer words have not been spoken.

I realize that even when you are an agency-represented model, rejection comes with the territory and not every client will want to book you for a particular job. I’ve grasped that it is definitely not the glamorous life, the life of a model. There is a lot to learn, and I have been trying to gather what this modeling thing is about. It takes perseverance and hard work. I’ve also learned a lot about myself along the way. I’ve discovered that I need to grow thicker skin and not take it to heart. This industry not for the weak and fragile. I also know for certain that I DO, without a doubt want this as much as I always did. My dreams have not faded with all the negativity I’ve been faced with. I’m still 100% positive that modeling is my true calling in life and I still believe I have what it takes.

Things worth having are worth waiting for…

However, I’m still currently struggling to break into the modeling world. In an industry where I really don’t really know anyone and have not gotten my lucky break, the only, and quite substantial predicament that I’m faced with today is, where do I go from here?

In hopes that SOMW has some kind of advice for me,

“Discouraged but not defeated”

Samantha Cadou

Florida

Samantha_Cadou@yahoo.com

http://www.modelmayhem.com/sammybean

Samantha:

Bruna Correa's letter

2010-05-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

I was 13 when I participated in a contest in my hometown of Santos, but I have not been chosen, a few weeks after a scouter from Sao Paulo came to my town to do a casting and was chosen to go Sao Paulo to make my first book and soon I was chosen to go to New York do Benetton campaign and soon after the Donna aran .. since then I'm always traveling ...

Today I have more basis in ny but always going to other places in the world, many friendships made over, a few really true and that I keep in touch and give much value to them, dating is a very complicated thing in this life of madness, very hard you always be in the same place together, I had a few boyfriends but none lasted long because of the distance. I love my work and whenever I go back to my house in Brazil to kill the longing of the family!

I love to do gym and is the best way to keep in shape, and if i could i would be always doing any sport that I love! knowing different places, different cultures and different people is the most interesting of all this, only bad thing about all this are the airport, wait for the flight and pack your bags! haha

but in this life you learn a lot more, care and value of your family and be independent faster!

*Bruna is signed with Wilhelmina in New York

CODE + MC2 = new generation, new competition - a whole different game

2010-05-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Code Model Management and MC2 have been talking about merging and apparently it is happening sooner than later...

Is this a trend going on after what happened with FORD being bought by Mohammed and them? MAYBE...

We are definitely surprised as this economy has hit a lot of agencies hard, CODE was on top of their game as an independent agency but we can see how things may change, or may they just combine forces to get stronger. MC2 has been around, but not as strong as we were used to see them...now we are very positive they will be kicking ass and taking names...with Pink heading the womens board and CODE merging with them..possibilities are endless.

May we say Godspeed and we are very excited to see what will go on once its completely official and its made public (oh we just made it public)...well you know what we mean...

WE LOVE YOU - SOMW Anniversary Party was insane!

2010-04-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your support, we had an amazing time!

We got to see so many familiar faces around, most of you near the bar hahaha...

We are glad to be around for a year, we appreciate your support and your great comments on what SOMW is and is going to become...

We will be posting some cool pictures of some of you...

We want to thank our collaborators and supporters for making our first year a great one, and we will bring you even better things on our second year.

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

RIP - Ambrose Olsen

2010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

We just want to take this day and remember Ambrose, he was an amazing male model, a trendsetter, and a great friend...

Let us all remind him the best we can, what a great guy, an amazing soul, an incredible friend...and a great role model for other male models to follow.

Rest In Peace Ambrose, we will miss you.

Happy Birthday to us, Happy Birthday to us! Happy Birthday dear us, Happy Birthday to us!!!!!

2010-04-27T09:16:00.001-07:00

Well...thanks to all of you...we have been around for a year...yes sir April 3rd marked the Calendar, but our birthday celebration will be in a couple of days...are you invited? OF COURSE YOU ARE!!!! we are going to rock it OUT!

Be sure if you send out your rsvp's to us, send out your affiliation!! model and with what agency, where you work etc...

We are very excited and is going to be an amazing time! hopefully you will all get to attend and have a drink with us!

Can you believe we are a year old huh? time flies by...wait till you see what we are planning to come up next...you are going to LOVE IT

SOMW LOVES YOU ALL!!! Thank you for having us around and making us who we are

Lauren Young for Jacques Magazine

2010-04-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

JACQUES: The Sports Issue, Trailer 2. from Jacques Magazine on Vimeo.

Lauren Young from MC2Model Management

Do we need to say more?

This girl is SEX

Lauren Young for Jacques Magazine

2010-04-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Lauren Young signed with CODE Model Management here in New York, started on a very sexy video for Jacques Magazine for their Sports Issue...

This girl is a firecracker! pure sexy chic...some of you might think this video is controversial, but do not be mistaken this is done in a very tasteful way, if you are thinking standard fashion you are wrong, this is more french European fashion...take it as it is...and enjoy the video and the amazing sex appeal Lauren brings to it.

We congratulate you Lauren for a great job, we are still waiting to see that shoot for FHM!

SOMW LOVES LAUREN!

JACQUES: The Sports Issue, Trailer 2. from Jacques Magazine on Vimeo.

SOMW Welcomes Javaccino!

2010-04-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

We are proud to welcome Javaccino to the SOMW community...remember those Starbucks drinks, ice coffee in a glass bottle? Well imagine ORGANIC! Yes, ORGANIC and low in calories...better taste, and yet so much better for you...

Well now SOMW is exclusively bringing this fantastic coffee latte drink to you all! Where can you find it? Well you can find it at Whole Foods...and at our studio when you are here for castings, meetings or just to say hi to us...

We will be having samples at our Anniversary party next week...where is your invitation you ask? Keep checking your email for all you lucky ones invited...

Go get a Javaccino and let us know your thoughts!!

SOMW + DisneyNature - Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

SOMW wants to invite you to celebrate this EARTH DAY in a cool fashionable way...

SOMW is supporting DISNEY on their quest to save the Oceans. Disney will make a contribution in your honor to The Nature Conservancy to save our coral reefs. We all enjoy the beach and the ocean, not only for photo shoots but we definitely like to go surfing, scuba diving, water skiing...can you imagine if we can't because the Oceans are so polluted we can't go near the water, can you imagine no more dolphins, no more whales, no more baby seals, no more millions of different species we just get to see with snorkeling gear...GONE, VANISHES, DISAPPEARED!

Well we say HELL NO! and its time to put a stop to it, so SOMW is in full support of this cause, go see Disney's OCEANS opening today in a theater near you, enjoy the movie, get to know stuff you probably do not know now and it helps as well...

What other ways to help? You can go directly to: http://adopt.nature.org/coralreef/bahamas/ and help by adopting a coral reef in the bahamas...

There is a lot of ways we can help, and we can also help by making awareness with our friends and family, by recycling, disposing of proper waste, saving water and energy, planting a tree or simply donating your time to a charitable cause that fights for our planet to be healthier and better.

Stay Fashionable and do the right thing!

Ocean - Disney Nature Official Trailer 2010 - Watch more Funny Videos

Cassie Stevens signed with SOMW

2010-04-21T08:05:00.001-07:00

We are proud to announce Cassie Stevens has signed with SOMW as her mother agent...yes for all you people who do not know or have not paid attention, we are mother agents too...you all need to go check out the main site and really BROWSE through it... http://www.somw.org

Cassie Stevens an INCREDIBLE look and AMAZING personality...where will we take her? EVERYWHERE...watch out world...now she has us under her wings

Modaa.com

2010-04-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

We assume most of you know about modelwire, Cds, and other systems of their kind...

Have you imagined of a system that is easier to use? you can access almost from anywhere? that doesn't require most training as even a child can use it? that makes your life so easy you will just get some better sleep?

Well...the rumor is modaa.com is about to hit our market and hit it hard...born within the industry, to simplify and improve bookers and agencies work...

Where can you find this amazing system? well it's not available yet....SOMW will be bringing you an exclusive preview of this system very soon, if you want to know more contact your SOMW executive for more information or schedule a private viewing...are we going to give you a discount on it? OF COURSE WE ARE...what kind of people do you think we are?

Michela - new york models

2010-04-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

This week we have a thing for blondes, so we will be bringing you some of the best blondes that are in town and who they are signed with in New York...today we were looking at no other than the New York Models board...

Michela stands out on her own...she has a timeless beauty, that old school meets new world beauty chic...so amazing...

and the hair cut...oh wow...just screams of sexy chic classy but yet rock and roll...

We can't wait to meet her and work with her.

Great job on this amazing girl, New York Models!

Eve Salvails Birthday Party

2010-04-16T07:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Eve!

We hung out with Eve last night at CV Lounge to celebrate her birthday, oh what a great time we had...

Amazing crowd of fashionistas, models, artists, etc... We saw Eve pretty much dance with everybody so we know she had a great time too

We wish you the best on this new year of your life and we look forward to many more cool things to do with you.

Happy Birthday

Also for all you did not know Eve is an amazing DJ you can go to: www.djevalicious.com for more information

SPLINTERHEADS

2010-04-15T08:39:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to invite you all to a premier of Splinterheads...now after its debut in the film festival circuit, it became amazingly accepted and now they are bringing it to everybody, and when we mean everybody we mean...AROUND THE WORLD...and how? Video on Demand...so get your butts to your TV (after you are done with castings and work)...and go check out this cool movie...

We were amazed by the storyline. It's certainly a good movie and we want you all to have the pleasant experience we had, and no its not because Darren Goldberg the Producer is a good friend of ours!

You can check out more information on their website: www.splinterheadsthemovie.com

Go check it out and lets us know your thoughts. Maybe we should do a project with Darren, what do you think?

Have a great Thursday

Letter from a plus size model

2010-04-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

This letter was posted on the Chicago blog not long ago, but there has been questions about plus size modeling within our New York community so we decided to share this with you in case you haven't checked our Chicago Blog: http://somwchicago.blogspot.com

Since my childhood, I have always been chubby! Nothing was easy for me. My friends kept on teasing me and my family always criticized my weight. But more importantly, I couldn’t find any clothes that could fit me! I have been on many diets but none of them were successful! I couldn’t slim down anymore, so one day; I decided to stop everything and start to take care of myself.

At 18, I met a photograph who asked me to pose for him. He told me that it would help me to boost my confidence. As a result, I decided to take a shot! When I saw the snapshots, I was astonished! Never in my whole life, would I have thought about that kind of result. It totally changed the opinion I had of my body and myself, in general. After I published these pictures on internet, I got many compliments and tons of photographers asked me to model for them as well.

I am now a plus size model. I love my curves, I’m proud of them; and I’m not ashamed of showing them. I also like fashion and am always seeking for something different. I took part in many contests.

One of them was “Miss Ronde France 2009” (translated by “Miss plus size France 2009”.) in which I finished 2nd. In May, I participated in the contest of “Miss plus size Universe”.

During my free time, I pose for many photographs, especially the talented and beautiful Velvet d’amour! I am the representative and the « face » of many clothing brands. I’m also planning on acting. Today, I’m proud of being curvy, it became one of my main trump card.

Marina Suwendy speaks against Society's Choice article

2010-04-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Marina Suwendy from Ford, sent us an email telling us her thoughts about last weeks finding, that stupid article we found on another site called Society's Choice, which they still try to grasp to their claims saying its a legit article when, well sorry its not...we know first hand for working in this industry for over a decade and those statistics are completely crap...

So this is what Marina had to say:

Read the article and saw the facebook page link of the person who wrote the article...
And since you asked for an opinion...the article it's just written out of ignorance and jealousy.

What she wrote is pretty much a broad generalisation. Not really groundbreaking info, but more so just uninformed common public misconception.

Cuz, I actually do know alot of models who are educated and don't do drugs. Oh yea, and they eat too!

Only difference is, they balance eating with gym work outs! Rather than the majority of people who stuff their faces and then wonder why they're overweight.

If she really believes that most models are just slim cuz they're anorexic and bulimic, then that would be a bit difficult to explain ab lines which most models have!
Last I checked, if you're starving yourself you wouldn't have the energy to work out. And throwing up is highly unlikely to get you a 6 pack!

And as for sex and money. Every industry has issues like that. Why focus on just modeling?
Sure, there are some dodgy people. But that's not exclusive to this industry. In fact, for the times that I've heard of people coming up to models and making inappropriate offers...they're not usually people from the industry! Rather they are people from outside of the industry who have a warped view of models!
So why blame the modeling industry?

As for a large percentage of models being bisexual, what's the basis for that? Either way, isn't it someone's own prerogative what their sexual preferences are? I know alot of people who are not in the modeling industry who are bisexual/gay/lesbian..but they tend to keep it more private cuz their industries are more judgmental.

Besides, I doubt she's got a bunch of models coming up to her to chat about their sex lives. So most likely, she's just basing it on pathetic things like seeing a few advertising pictures of women posing together in a seductive way? Or because female models hang out together? Or some other ridiculous far reach like that...

Which if we wanted to...we could easily make a reach that the majority of Korean businessmen are gay or bisexual too! Cuz nobody says anything about them sitting completely naked in steam rooms to close deals. Or their having surgery to enlarge their ah-hum to appear more impressive in those moments.

And isn't that far worse than some pre-screened & approved commercial advertising campaign?

Just ignore what she's written...it's purely for the ignorant, who rather create assumptions than to find out for themselves.

SOMW Welcomes Revolver Salon

2010-04-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

SOMW is proud to welcome Revolver Salon into its community...benefits?

Well guess what you guys get 20% off any services you ask for on your first visit to Revolver, and not only they have very good prices (and this discount makes it even better), but their stylists there are AMAZING...go check it out

When you call for a reservation mention SOMW, and mention again when you get there just in case to get your discount...enjoy your hair salon...and may we recommend Greg to cut your hair in the SoHo Location

Go have fun get a cool hair cut for this upcoming summer...its Rock and Roll Summer 2010

Oh yeah in case you didn't know Revolver is part of Ricky's...so you all know they do amazing creative things, go check it out on our online magaze: http://www.somwnewyork.com/hair/revolver/

This is some kind of bullshit...

2010-04-09T09:42:00.001-07:00

We found this article on this facebook fan page of Society's Choice...we decided to post it on the 4 cities and let you all know how some people are idiots and have no idea what they are talking about. "Research"...PLEASE...they claim to have talked to numerous models and they just were afraid to give out information because of fear of losing their "jobs"...well to this we say...BULLSHIT

We are still in the fight to make everybody know there is real people in this industry and the objectification of models in society is still there, the fact they categorize models as junkies, or escorts or stupid...well, bottom line, THIS PISSES US OFF...so hear us ROAARRR!!

This is where you can find them: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/SocietysChoice?v=wall&ref=ts

After you read it, you can send us your comments and letters to: secrets@somw.org, so we can send them a proper article of what the real world of modeling is...

We hate stupid people!!

So this is what they wrote:

Dear Readers,

The following article is the first of many, which have been written specifically for Society's Choice's readers. The creators of Society's choice want to point out that they are only publishing the story and therefore will not vouch for it or be held responsible for any of the content.

“THE MODELING WORLD ...EXPOSED”Written for the readers of Society's Choice
The following article has been written after much research and interviews with many models and agents in the industry. All the people interviewed have asked to be anonymous for privacy.

I wanted to find out what really goes on behind the scenes of this glamorous world and the facts that have come to light are quite shocking to say the least. Here are the ugly revelations:

The Life of a Male ModelThey are able to have a much longer career but very few of them last more than two years in the industry. I found out that straight men in male modeling comprise of about 25% of the total. Many of them cannot cope with the crazy partying and attention from the female models etc. and burn out fast. One of the models I interviewed told us that not long ago as he was sitting at a bar, an elegant forty seven year old married woman approached him and after a couple of cocktails invited him to her room and offered him ten thousand dollars to have sex with her. He had never done anything like this, but realized that this was easy money and although he hasn't done it since, he said he would have no hesitation if he was offered the chance again.

70% of all models turn to stripping and prostitution to make ends meet. An average stripper in a big city club can take home $500 to a $1000 in cash every night without any sex involved. However, if they want to make more money by selling their bodies the rewards are unlimited. Many gay male models will also sleep with women for money.

Drugs are everywhere in the industry and a lot of the models become very addicted and snort coke heavily on a regular basis to keep their partying lifestyles going. Many models party every night and a lot of them sleep with multiple partners. There seems to be very few monogamous relationships in the industry. This lifestyle takes it's toll very fast and thus a large number of the models lose their looks quickly. Very few models save any money as many of them don't come from affluent educated backgrounds. They seem unable to cope with the huge amounts of cash that come their way and end up blowing it as fast as they make it.

The Life of a Female Model

Female models have a very short lifespan in the industry and the age they start is becoming younger and younger. 70% of them either already have eating disorders when they start modeling or they develop them in the constant pressure to stay thin. Bulimia and Anorexia are the main Problems. 60% of female models are bisexual and many of the rest experiment sexually with other women.

Becoming a successful model seems to be attributed a lot to luck and who you know. It also seems that a lot of the successful models have to sleep their way to the top. The attitude of "I will scratch your back, if you scratch mine" is very apparent. The percentage of models who do make a career and a living out of the industry is close to just 5%. However, the ones who do make it are richly rewarded. The savvy models who went to college and are business minded, are a minority in this business. If they are able to capitalize on their good looks and brains, they end up having long and successful careers after their modeling careers are over.

One fact we learned is that all pictures, without exception, used in magazines etc. are heavily touched up because the quest for perfection is endless. Very few models enjoy what they do and they are often treated badly by their employers. Many of the photographers use their power to take advantage of the models to get sexual favors from them, in exchange for some help rising to the top.

95% of all models waste the best years of their life barely making ends meet while trying to become the next super model. Many of them are from poor eastern European countries and they come to the USA to experience the American Dream. I suggest all you budding wannabe models should think carefully before entering this profession. The fame fulminates intensely but the reality is very different!

Like we have said in interviews, no industry is perfect, and yes there has been drama and problems within the model industry, but why is this community so judged? Because they're good looking people...maybe ugly people are just jealous and they decide to judge, or TRY to judge and make problems where there are not...

To that we say BULLSHIT...how about talking about writers and editors of magazines, lying on their articles, been caught cheating on their wives, rehab, stealing, etc...oh wait they don't judge them much because they work in other industries? How about politicians involved in scandals with drugs or home abuse, oh yeah they make ONE news story about it and then they forget about it, and they praise their children when they say they want to become a Senator...

Every industry has its flaws, why attack the model community with this over and over and over again??

Well now we are here making a stand and we are fighting this stupidity of people around the world...

Valeria Garcia at Women Direct...WOW

2010-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Valeria at Women Direct is simply incredible...she is a walking work of art, this beauty comes from Argentina; having already quite the fan following and rocking the world of fashion as we know it for a while...

Argentina not only brings great soccer players, amazing food...but SUPERB INCREDIBLE MODELS such as Valeria!

Here you can see how she has attracted a lot of attention from multiple sources:

http://valeriagarcia.fan-sites.org/wordpress/
http://lexposure.net/models/valeria-garcia-2
http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/Valeria_Garcia/

And of course now we will be giving you a lot more news about her, and her fabulous career...

Viva Argentina!

Crosby Tailor at Major Men

2010-04-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Another 'Major' hot shot! Crosby Tailor sure is an eye-catcher with his lean physique and couture face. He looks great in every shot, whether he's sporting a formal suit or barely anything at all!

He's had the chance to work with photographers Greg Vaughan and Ronald Tan, among other industry professionals. An amazing agency and raw talent like his equals a promising career! We want to see ALOT of you, Crosby!

Raschell Osbourne at VNY...doing quite the good job

2010-04-06T07:22:00.001-07:00

Raschell is actually a good friend of ours but nevertheless...we NEVER get to see her...why? she is ALWAYS working and common...with Brianne as her booker, and Raschell's incredible sexy look, we are not surprised every time we talk to her she is either walking down a runway (ok, maybe ABOUT TO...) or shooting for some magazine...

Raschell has that spark everybody looks for, that great personality, she walks into a room and you KNOW she is there, and her smile just draws a smile on your own face.

We are expecting great things from this Jamaican native model, all we can say is thank you GOD for giving us Raschell, she brings that extra edge we all look and want in this industry.

Oh yeah she is a yoga junkie, she has been trying to get us to go to yoga with her...although we refuse she is quite persistent, maybe we will come try it once...did you listen Raschell...ONCE...

If you want to book Raschell, go to: http://www.vnymodelmanagement.com/ and contact Brianne Murphy...

SOMW New York - April Issue now available!!

2010-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, we had some technical difficulties, but the April Issue of SOMW New York is up now...go to: www.somwnewyork.com and check out the amazing articles

Like: We Love Jean Shop, Fight of her life (a powerful story about a model and the ultimate fight for her life), Fitness & Health, Faking the Big "O" (about model Visas)...and much more...

Please let us know if you would like to learn more about any other subject for next month, you can email us at secrets@somw.org

Stay Fashionable!

Lisa Seiffert from Muse for Guess

2010-04-02T08:57:00.001-07:00

This are not breaking news, but did this happen last week...Muse's own Lisa Seiffert shot the new Guess campaign...

What can we say...she looks like a forbidden fruit...impressive impressive IMPRESSIVE...

Lisa you rocked our world...wants to make us go and get Guess jeans all over again like when we were young in the 90's...

Lisa = Sexy Chic

Katie...like always you shock us with your amazing girls and the amazing job they do!

Yes yes we have a thing for MUSE...and so do you!!

Maxx Krieger in New York

2010-04-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite male models right now Mr. Maxx Krieger is in town..after being traveling around the globe he is in New York...yes yes...the guy from TOPMAN everybody likes...

Common what is not to love about this kid?! Rock and Roll look, great personality...that look that says "I don't give a f***" but yet so chic and sexy...

Maxx welcome to New York! Your bookers will be hearing from us about you very soon...

For bookings, contact Q Model Management, you can contact Jeff or Tahlani

Helena Kornilova's new Mother Agency

2010-03-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's today announced that Russian Newcomer Helena Kornilova whom is signed with Trump in New York, chose to sign with Verbmodels as her new mother agency.

Kornilova's global career will be managed by pre-eminent Verbmodels which represents a diverse list of famous faces.We had a quick chat with Uziel and this is what he had to say:

"Helena involves more than just pouting and walking the catwalk. She glows on and off cam and has the perseverance to become a strong model in this hugely competitive fashion industry. She’s a great smart person and is of course a very beautiful girl, and I’m really glad that I’m being paired with someone like her and excited to start working together, said Israeli entrepreneur and Verb's senior executive Matan Uziel."

"Verbmodels will keep castigating the fashion industry and their reliance on very young girls as the perfect size zero model", added Uziel.

Nadiya runs to FentonMoon

2010-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Nadiya left her former agency which in this case will remain nameless, and literally ran to Wendy Levene at FentonMoon...why? Because she is doing great things with her girls and her board...a lot of controversy was made when she started her agency, being new and all...but do NOT be mistaken...they are still very much alive, and they are getting stronger and stronger...

We predicted this months ago if you remember...and yes we know everything! hahaha...

Nadiya welcome to FentonMoon...we will be seeing you at our casting room very soon

Happy Birthday to Kristin Mautone from Red

2010-03-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Ms. Kristin Mautone fierce booker from Red is celebrating her birthday today...we had the amazing opportunity to celebrate this weekend with her and oh what fun we had...

Kristin! SOMW LOVES YOU! Happy Birthday and we cann't wait for all the exciting projects between Red and SOMW...

And do not even dare to ask us how old is she, you know there are some secrets we will never tell...she is young we can tell you that much, but there is nothing young or innocent about her performance as a booker, she will eat you up alive

MUSE new girl: Blanca Valencia

2010-03-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

We met randomly this beautiful, fire spirit model this weekend...and when we asked her who she was signed with, non other than Katie Wolland's Muses...MUSE MODELS.

Going over her book, this girl is fierce in every way, she has those big doll eyes, sexy pout lips and soft silky skin...we are very excited to see what Blanca Valencia will be doing with Katie under her wings...we are sure that she will be doing non other than AMAZING jobs and editorials.

Welcome to New York Blanca! We are sure you will rock our world!

Blanca is from Hermosillo, Sonora. Mexico. Yes the state where most of the Mexican models come from...maybe we will take a trip down there...

Julius Becker back in town

2010-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Watch out everybody...Julius Becker with Red Models is back in town...he will be here for a short while but he will be taking jobs, campaigns and names with him...

Welcome back Julius

Twiggy speaks out

2010-03-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sixties icon Twiggy Lawson had some light to shed on a few of the most controversial topics in the fashion and modeling industry today.

Given that Twiggy was best known for her fine frame, and for being discovered at the ripe age of 16, it makes perfect sense that she had a lot to say about the subject of minimum weight and age in the modeling industry. Using her launch for her new HSN fashion line as a forum, Twiggy expressed concern for young women who enter the fashion world at an early age. While she sympathized with girls who were eager to start working and making money ASAP, Twiggy was of the opinion that 16 should be the minimum age for models.

She also spoke about the weight and body image issues that have been plaguing the industry as of late. Being a waifish figure herself, Twiggy understands what it’s like to be a tall, naturally thin teenage girl. But what she does not advocate is pressure on models from industry insiders to achieve an unrealistic weight goal.

Twiggy’s comments are helping to continue an uncomfortable but very necessary dialogue on the evolution, or lack thereof, of industry standards. We can only hope that the conversation continues.

i-D Spring Covers 2010 are out

2010-03-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Aren't this covers sexy? we know!

i-D magazine's Spring issue features Sasha Pivovarova and Freja Beha from IMG New York.

Stylists Edward Enningful and Natalia Vodianova and Mr. Paolo Roversi shot this magnificent covers.

Sasha and Freja certainly are bringing the sexy spring roaaarrr to this season...this makes us excited for more cool things to come out with this girls..and i-D keeps providing us with inspiration...

Happy Birthday Sarah Tyer

2010-03-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Our good friend and long time supporter Sarah Tyer is celebrating her birthday today (no we are not telling you how old she is...) Sarah has left the New York market to pursue more of the acting side and commercial modeling that is based in Los Angeles...

She also is one of the pioneers and supporters for our next chapter SOMW LOS ANGELES...that is right we are opening a chapter on the West Coast...aren't we excited? the blog will be live soon: somwlosangeles.blogspot.com so you can all follow us there...

Sarah is already making a killing in LA and taking it by storm...represented by LA MODELS over there, she is more than representing her mother agency RED MODELS...

Sarah...Happy Birthday Love!! Have a great time and we will be coming soon enough to go surfing with you!

Neesa Peterson at Women Direct

2010-03-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Neesa Peterson former booker from Ford Women's Division, yes that is right FORMER...has been stolen by Women Direct...surprised? we are not...

Neesa is one of those bookers not only proves herself season after season, but keeps a tight personal relationship with her clients and fashion insiders, giving her a special spotlight within her clientele and making everybody wanting to go back with her above others...

We wish you amazing success at your new home and we look forward to work even more with you Neesa!! Congratulations and keep rocking our worlds!

Casio and Grain Surfboards BBQ at Saturdays

2010-03-19T08:25:00.001-07:00

Saturdays Surf Shop was the perfect setting for Casio to unveil their new G’zOne mobile phone models. Owned by three self-proclaimed surf fans, Saturdays is an idyllic gem on 31 Crosby Street in SoHo that brings West Coast surf culture (and the necessary tools) to Manhattan. And even better, it also doubles as a legitimate coffee shop during normal hours. Last night’s event, complete with authentic German wursts from Schaller & Weber, was appropriately set in the store’s outdoor garden, where guests enjoyed a short video presentation by Maine-based surfboard company Grain.

The guys from Grain had previously collaborated with Casio, and last night’s soiree was meant to showcase and celebrate that relationship. It makes sense that Casio has chosen to align itself with a surfboard company. The phones, which are being marketed to those who live actively, boast a shock-resistant, water-resistant, and dust-resistant exterior, perfect for any day at the beach. The new G’zOnes are available in a traditional flip-phone style, and as a messaging device similar to T-Mobile’s sidekick. Verizon will carry Casio’s models.

Go to the store! 31 Crosby Street get one of the boards, they are AMAZING...and in the words of the founder of Grain Boards, do not start surfing if you are not prepared to change your whole life!

Letter by Amna B

2010-03-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

We received this great email a couple of days ago and we think you should all read it...

Hey guys! :) Well first of all I’d like to thanks SOMW to give us the opportunity to express ourselves, to feel free to tell even the tiniest details about models world and to share our experiences ..

I’ll start by introducing myself I’m a north African girl raised in Tunisia green eyed with a Mediterranean skin and I’m studying Industrial design I hope that I’ll be a good designer ! .. well to be honest I’ve never been a super skinny girl and very tall as the majority of models but I was so satisfied with myself I find my little curves so hot and sexy and we all know that in modeling world curvy girls are kind of cursed LOL I’m 5’7 height and my measurements are 90-72-93 so I’m considered as a commercial model I worked as photo-model for photographers, hair and make up artists and also as bridal model .. to be honest I was tempted several times by people from the industry to loose weight that I could become a runway model, you know to have international measurements but I love so much Nutella and Pizza that I could easily give up LOL !

I’m against torturing myself for fame or whatever, modeling is really interesting when we know how to behave in this industry ! no girl deserve to be treated as a shit .. Models are human beings they deserve to be treated well and they have rights ! and personally I feel sorry about every girl who takes drugs and does inappropriate things to be accepted in the modeling world it’s just unfair you don’t have to make of modeling a sickness if you have the profile to become a model it’s good for you and if you don’t have it it’s good for you too , there are many divisions in modeling it has commercial models, runways models , body parts models and even plus size models wich is very good so don’t make yourself hungry till death to become a model don’t let fame and money blind you coz’ nothing worth the LIFE !

Personally I’ve decided to have a break this year I’m focusing on my studies I’d like to have good marks that I could accomplish my studies in Paris like I planned so don’t give up your studies try to do both modeling and studies it’s so good to be a cultivate model let’s fight the cliché of “models are stupid girls “ coz’ it’s not true ! and nowadays we are livin’ in a “internet world” so be careful of creepy people who pretend to be scouts and agents or even modeling agencies owners ( talkin’ about creepy people sorry Rogelio if I doubted about you LOL I tortured him with my questions LOL ..) besides of modeling I do paintings and Violin , I’m also thinking to be a member of a theater club I love acting too and I love learning languages I speak Arabic my native language ,French, English ,and Spanish I love to say “que caliente” ( becoz’ to me everythin’ sounds sexier in Spanish LOL :) so whoever you are you’re reading this I’ll tell you : “Don’t give up your dreams but be realistic and let it be ! “

XOXO

Amna

Julia Jones from Q Models conquering the big screen

2010-03-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

We have received note of Julia's continued success in Hollywood and well we want to share it with all of you...we congratulate Julia on a great career start and we can't wait until we see her in leading roles on major blockbusters.

And of course...big props to the Q models team for making continuing opportunities for Julia to spread her wings, with a team like that dreams come true...

Congratulations Julia and Q!

Featuring: Michael Wildes...our rockstar Lawyer!!

2010-03-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Oh yes...we are proud, honored and excited to let you all know Mr. Michael Wildes is our newest contributor for SOMW, this guy has quite a resume and story to tell...

You have all heard of Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum right? Well do you know how they got to stay in the USA? Because they have Michael backing them up...that is right he is THE Immigration Lawyer of the Fashion and Entertainment industries.

He started as a lot of kids start, following his fathers footsteps...do you know who his father is? well...you OF COURSE know about John Lennon...well guess what? THAT IS RIGHT...his father Mr. Leon Wildes... took care of Immigration Laws for him, as his lawyer he got him his green card and made sure he could stay in the United States...

Now...we are fortunate enough to announce he is backing us up...and of course all our readers and members of the SOMW family...so if you need anything, give him a holla...he will take care of you, just let them know you are part of SOMW and let him do the hard work...

Now we asked him 5 simple questions so you can get a feeling of how cool he is and how he is actually the best out there...

SOMW: Who are your favorite (fashion/model) client to work with?

Michael: The cases for Miss Universe 2008 and 2009 are my favorites, as there are interesting issues of acclaim and differentiating between the artistic and the business facets of the cases.

SOMW: Is it dangerous to work with a tourist visa?

Michael: If by dangerous you mean illegal, the answer is resounding YES, SI, OUI, DA, JA, HAI and SIM. It is unlawful for a foreign national to accept compensation for services performed in the United States while in the country in a visitor visa status. There are some serious repercussions for working unlawfully in the Unites States, ranging from deportation to a permanent ban from re-entry.

SOMW: What services do you provide for models and other fashion/entertainment individuals?

Michael: Work/Family visas, Green Cards and Citizenship.

SOMW: What do you love about the fashion and model industry?

Michael: (starts laughing) Attractive women...and there is usually food left at the buffet...just joking just joking (laughs out loud)...

SOMW: Where can our readers find more information about you?

Michael: Visit: www.wildesweinberg.com, you can email us at: info@wildeslaw.com and of course at our SOMW page: http://www.somw.org/model-services/michaelwildes/

Tetyana Melnychuk by Marki Shkreli

2010-03-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Marki one of our featured photographers has done it again...what an eye....WHAT AN EYE!!

Fooling around with the camera...this amazing picture came out for Tetyana's book from Marilyn Models...she is flawless, of course...perfect complexion, angelic facial features

And yes remember he does everything...creative direction, hair and shoots...a Renaissance man of fashion photography? maybe...but he is just that good

Wait until he starts coming up with ideas for our next campaign...can you say RETRO SEXY CHIC?

economic crisis hits FORD MODELS

2010-03-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

This to some of you are not news...to most of you are...

FORD MODELS recently went through a lot of changes...this changes were the "trimming of fat" of their staff and even their board...downsizing became inevitable

FORD MODELS has been having some financial problems for some time now, which is not a complete secret...they are not the only ones but right now they are the recent news. Powerhouses such as them have been struggling somewhat more than smaller agencies, why? well when you are a big company...in this case a Corporation, a lot of other facts come in place, this is a debt business, meaning a lot of investing is done on their behalf and with turns like this recession, it is not the best market to be in. From a financial point of view having a big body like them is recipe for bankcrupcy.

Fortunately at FORD they are not only great at picking their models and booking them, but also at handling their business side.

All we can say to other agencies and models out there is, best of luck...keep your head up and don't get frustrated, it is tough times to be in and now you can see how even giants like FORD are not the exception.

Good luck FORD, we believe in you!

Major's Simon Nessman for Armani Jeans Lookbook

2010-03-10T07:46:00.001-08:00

Well of course we are first to tell you all...

Simon Nessman did one hell of a job shooting for the Armani Jeans Lookbook...take a look and yes ladies...we believe he is single, so when you go to the Armani store make sure to ask if they have a spare copy of their lookbook laying around...

Happy Birthday Tahlani Knight from Q

2010-03-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tahlani Knights head booker of Womens Division at Q Model Management!!!

We are waiting for our birthday party invitation!!

Everybody at SOMW sends their love and best wishes!

And for all of you who are wondering who she...she is a badass booker and a great woman to party and work with! ;)

Lauren Young stealing the spotlight

2010-03-09T07:12:00.001-08:00

Good friend of ours Lauren Young with CODE MODEL MANAGEMENT here in New York is stealing the spotlight away, with magazine calling left and right Lauren is taking her career to another level...with Lorraine and Marques pushing her to stardom we are sure to start seeing Lauren in different projects, bigger projects...can you say maybe movie star?

Watch out for Lauren on FHM coming soon and on Rescue Me, among other great projects she is involved in...

A girl that definitely has earned our great respect and admiration, focused on work, amazing personality and great work ethics...she is going places and representing CODE MODEL MANAGEMENT very well...

And yes we are already planning to steal Lauren to do a big shoot with us...can you guess for what?

Sportswear International #230 featuring some of our favorite friends...

2010-03-08T07:22:00.001-08:00

Sportswear International #230 features in the cover some of our good friends and favorite models...

William Lewis (former model of the month January Issue www.somw.org) - Red Models
Patrick Phillips - Red Models

Colleen Koltick - Rocket Garage
Coco Young - Rocket Garage
Larissa - Rocket Garage (which you will be hearing a lot more from now...we are hooked on her raw rocknroll look...)

For some of you who are NOT familiar with Rocket Garage we will give you a more broad review on what they do and their board very soon...they are small but fierce...

http://rocketgarage.net/main.html

Balenciaga blacklisted French Vogue

2010-03-05T09:37:00.001-08:00

Definitely we have been seen this times are changing...now even VOGUE gets blacklisted? We all thought VOGUE as the ultimate word in Fashion...you MADE IT when you are in VOGUE, or in their good side...now a fashion house such as Balenciaga blacklists THEM? WOW!

We are definitely living some times of change, and all we can say is...BRING IT ON...we are all ready for a change and I think houses like Balenciaga are starting a fashion revolution...what is next? More designers ditching Fashion Week? Supermodels becoming free agents?

This is the article found on WWD:

In other Balenciaga news, noticeably absent from Thursday’s front row was French Vogue editor in chief Carine Roitfeld and her team. They were barred from the show. “We’re blacklisted,” Roitfeld said with a shrug at Nina Ricci later in the day. “It’s too bad, it’s a beautiful house and it’s French. I hope that it’s not forever.” She noted Balenciaga no longer advertises in the magazine or lends it clothes, but stopped short of giving any reason for the rift. “Ask them,” she offered. A Balenciaga spokesman declined comment.

Wake up People!

2010-03-04T10:47:00.001-08:00

There has been numerous attacks on people at night time, rapes, people getting mugged, drugs in drinks..

Its time to stop being irresponsible and be consicious on where we are, who we are with and where we are going...

Be careful! Be safe!

Next Direct/Wilhelmina Models - 4 to 7 Year Old Model Search

2010-03-03T07:56:00.001-08:00

“Do you know any adorable 4 to 7 year old children? Then you must enter them into the Next Direct Children’s Model Search. 50 finalists will be selected based on audience vote and each win a trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California to participate in a spectacular two day finals event, where the Grand Prize winner will be chosen! The Grand Prize winner will win a contract with Wilhelmina Models and receive a $100,000 education scholarship!

Go to: http://www.facebook.com/NextDirect?v=app_311634114758

Good luck, call your cousins, your brother/sisters, nephews...you know you have seen that kid that you think he/she can be a model...well now its their opportunity to shine!!

http://www.nextdirect.com

from top model to top soldier

2010-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Duran Bunch...a young male model we had the pleasure to meet a couple of years ago...top of his game, walking every major show in Fashion Week in Paris, Milano, New York and London...editorials left and right...the he disappeared from the scene...why?

This 23 year old Nasvhille, Tennessee native has had a dream to serve his country, he took some time doing the model scene but his hear was in giving back and protecting the United States of America.

Now he has come back to New York for a brief HOORRAAH in the modeling industry, staying with Wilhelmina as always, Duran is proving us not only he is a tough Soldier but he is a tough model to compete with...

All we can say to you Private Bunch is...HOORRRAAAHHH!!!

finally March is here...

2010-03-01T08:10:00.001-08:00

We are glad to see a little of sunshine around now...means spring is very very near...

And with every spring new faces, new campaigns and new adventures...

Lets start with Red Models...they have been doing for a less than perfect word to use AMAZING with their mens board...and we are not talking about their TV SHOW on Centric, but their boys are on campaigns for companies like H&M, they are walking every major show in Fashion Weeks around the world...and on top of that we know they are getting ready for bigger things to come...which is just logical when they are about to become the next powerhouse.

Major Models...well we were honored to use their models for most of our shows this past fashion week season, new faces like Ruthie are truly fresh air to everybody...the young, the chic the fierce...

Ford with their amazing new girl Eleonora already getting top model status after just a few months of signing with them...

In a notch big things are coming...and of course so are we preparing for more...

have a great month everybody!

And remember to check the MIAMI and CHICAGO blogs also:

somwmiami.blogspot.com
somwchicago.blogspot.com