As you may know, Modelresource's involvement with B&M spans several years. Even before there was Modelresource, I owned Calgary's Grant Models, and had a strong working relationship with B&M.
Tuesday night's 25th anniversary party was therefore a special kind of night for me. Held at the C Lounge/Ice Lounge on Wellington Street, part of the decor (the Ice Lounge) was constructed completely of ice, while in the main lounge area there were several reminders of B&M's impressive legacy, including a display of many of the agency's headsheet stretching back to 1981 (when B&M was simply known as Bookings).
1999 headsheet: Amy (left) and Kimberley were both Grant Models as well.
Amongst the packed house were the likes of Robin Buss, just back from Hong Kong, and Morgan Handbury, who flew in from New York for the party. Since Modelresource did its feature on Handbury last year she has received a lot more recognition, scoring the cover of Flare earlier this year, getting a second major Buffalo Jeans campaign, and being added to supermodels.nl.
B&M;'s Gail McInnes with Idanna Auger; Morgan Handbury; Robin Buss & her sister
B&M's owner Mel Mateus (left), inside the remarkable Ice Lounge
November 29, 2021
Courtney Visscher by Geoffrey Barrenger
Last week we told you about Strut Magazine's decision to set up camp in Toronto. Now we're sharing one of the reasons to pick up the newest copy.
The photos you are looking at are an exclusive preview of a Strut editorial featuring Elite newcomer Courtney Visscher, shot by Geoffrey Barrenger.
Courtney Visscher by Geoffrey Barrenger
Modelresource is pretty excited about this early glimpse of someone destined to make many more appearances on this site in years to come. 5'11" Visscher is yet another Mode Models find, and should enjoy a lot of success as her career matures.
November 28, 2021
Bobbi Wiens with Allison MacGillivray
The week ahead promises to be especially busy for one of Elite's bookers.
Allison MacGillivray is just returning to the office today after having spent most of the past month in China, helping with the Elite Model Look contest.
Modelresource spoke with her briefly this morning and learned the experience was nothing but positive - for MacGillivray and the 67 contestants.
We're hoping to speak more to MacGillivray about her foreign adventure once her schedule calms down a bit. Stay tuned for that...
November 25, 2021
Willow
Nam Models' adorable Willow continues her ascent, having made a recent stop in Montréal to do an eight page, single girl story for Clin D'Oeil - fille and an eight page editorial for Elle Girl.
The gorgeous shot on the left was taken recently in New York.
November 25, 2021
Stylus Canada has been moving in a nice, upwardly direction of late, and is promising even bigger things in the near future.
Booker Duy Cao tells Modelresource a few new bookers are coming on board in January, and "wait until you see the new kids and the new website we have."
Three of the models the agency is very excited about right now are:
5'9" Tina Sue who recently returned from a successful journey to Hong Kong. Included in her trip were shows for Calvin Klein and DSquared2, as well as a major Reebok campaign and a seven page editorial in Elle.
14-year-old Kaitlyn, who just signed with the agency and already has summer plans with FMI in Taiwan, and
5'10" Irina who hails from Russia, and has international agencies buzzing about her prospects.
From Left: Tina Sue, Kaytlyn and Irina
November 23, 2021
Jessiann Gravel, by Max Abadian
Milan, by Jean-Claude Lussier
Check out these photos of Montage's Jessiann Gravel and Nam's Milan, featured in the recent issue of Strut Magazine.
If you aren't already familiar with Strut, its young staff is intent on changing that. Marketing Director Nathaniel Schachter sat down with Modelresource yesterday, and told us pretty much the entire creative staff left the comforts of their established Montréal digs and moved to Toronto's sylish Queen St. West to search for new growth opportunities.
Geared equally to both genders, the two-year-old magazine with a refreshingly young style features an impressive list of contributors like photographers Max Abadian, Gabor Jurina, Geoffrey Barrenger and Jean-Claude Lussier, top Canadian stylist Rad Hourani, and writers like Adam Radwanski.
After a few months of providing Modelresource readers with updates from Hong Kong, Robin Buss is returning home and will be present at B&M Models' silver anniversary party next week.
The agency has picked a very (literally) cool way to celebrate its first 25 years, choosing to have the event at the new Ice Lounge (an establishment constructed completely of ice - including the stools and glasses).
To arrange interviews related to B&M's celebration, contact the agency's Marketing and Promotions Director, Gail McInnes, at 416.504.5584, or gailm@bnmmodels.com.
The agency's sleek new website - www.corestonemodels.com - launched today, and like all the other recent developments associated with Corestone it demonstrates the agency is serious about staking its claim in Toronto's Fashion District.
November 22, 2021
Tricia Helfer
Modelresource certainly isn't the first source to point out that America's next top model is more likely to come from Canada, so it's only fitting that this country finally has its own version of the popular reality show.
Applications for Canada's Next Top Model are currently being accepted for contestants 18 to 27.
The show's host has been confirmed as Alberta's Tricia Helfer, who currently stars as Number Six on the sci-fi hit Battlestar Galactica.
Helfer's career began when she was discovered by Mode Models' founder Kelly Streit at a movie theatre in Red Deer. Shortly thereafter she won the Ford Supermodel of the World contest and went on to do major campaigns for the likes of Armani, while appearing in the pages of major fashion magazines and the Victoria's Secret catalogue.
The choice of Helfer as host is promising. The 31-year-old has always maintained a good reputation, and finished second in balloting last year (behind Linda Evangelista) when Modelresource polled readers about their all-time favourite Canadian model.
The charming 20-year-old has since seen her career take off under the Elite banner, and shows no signs of slowing down now that she is on stay in London.
Elite Toronto's Matti Gidilevich tells Modelresource, Funtikova just wrapped a two-day shoot for Citizen K in Paris and is blocked solid with options in the U.K. where she arrived this morning to meet reknowned photographer David Sims.
Andi Muise walks backstage in an Eryn Reid bikini and everything stops. She must have noticed because she decided to wear a robe over the bathing suit when she went on stage.
November 2005 - The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show:
There wasn't much chance Andi Muise was going to cover up in front of an audience that, when TV viewership figures into it, will likely be in the millions worldwide.
Since Modelresource interviewed Andi Muise in the spring we've been wondering what is taking everyone else so long to clue in. The North Bay native is undeniably special.
Now, we're happy to report, her stock is definitely on the rise. Following last week's show at the New York State Armory, Muise flew straight to Milan to shoot an Armani underwear campaign.
She has also recently shot an FCUK campaign, and just yesterday did a shoot for GQ.
The 18-year-old has held a slight lead in our current poll pretty much since it went online. You still have nearly two weeks left to register your vote for who you think will be the next Canadian model to be considered amongst the world's best.
Congratulations are also in order to Muise's agent, Michèle Miller, who gave birth to a daughter the same day Muise did Victoria's Secret.
November 17, 2021
Aleisia, by Geoffrey Barrenger
This much we already knew about Mode's newest girl on the international radar: Aleisia is 5'9½", 15-years-old, with blue eyes and light brown hair.
After sitting down with Aleisia and her mother, we now know a bit more.
For instance, the avid soccer player who attends Calgary's Western Canada senior high school has wanted to be a model since she was 7-years-old. She loves being in front of a camera (and thanks to Geoffrey Barrenger we also know the camera likes her there, too).
After checking out another Calgary agency which seemed more interested in selling her a class, she decided on Mode. Before signing however, she was scouted by Kelly Streit at a movie theatre, further solidifying her decision (note: Tricia Helfer was also spotted by Streit at a movie theatre, effectively launching both the agent's and the model's career).
Aleisia's mother wants the young model to enjoy the high school experience before considering modelling on a full-time basis. Already though, the grade 10 student has an offer from her grandmother to travel with her, and solid representation (GiovanniToronto & Montréal, and IMG New York, London, Paris and Milan).
Although she just did her first polaroids a little more than a week ago, she is already shooting her first spread for Fashion Magazine.
Modelresource will continue to watch this one.
November 15, 2021
Irina Lazareanu
In recent months Giovanni has been on fire, signing the likes of a seemingly reborn Tasha Tilberg, as well as the classicly edgy Kirsten Owen, and punishingly beautiful Katy Beal.
New faces like Courtney Fancy and Kori Richardson seem destined for greatness and an impressive list of Mode Models (new and established) swing by Giovanni's office while in Toronto and Montréal. Undeniably, the agency's got something special going on.
What has to be especially satisfying for the agency though, is when an established model like Irina Lazareanu turns a successful career into a very successful career.
The Romanian native debuted at #43 yesterday on the Models.com list of Top 50 Women in the world.
Irina Lazareanu
According to Giovanni Toronto's Alan Thomas, Lazareanu's bookings in the last two weeks (weeks!) include a French Vogue editorial (shot by Steven Klein), Italian Vogue editorial (Steven Klein), Just Cavalli campaign (Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin), Mulberry campaign (Steven Meisel), Balenciaga campaign (David Sims), Anna Molinari campaign (Craig McDean), Numero editorial (Dusan), Italian Vogue editorial (Steven Meisel) and a W editorial (Craig McDean).
Her agent in Montréal, Jean-Francois Leroux, isn't surprised by Lazareanu's success. "She worked incredibly hard and was determined. She developed as a model in markets like London, Australia, Milan and Japan before catching the eye of designer Karl Lagerfeld and Balenciaga in Paris."
The 5'9½" brunette grew up in the Montréal area, and got her start attending a Giovanni open call. She made such an impression she appeared on the cover of the 2004 agency headbook.
Despite the fact Lazareanu is currently based in Paris, Thomas tells Modelresource "Canadian clients are calling nonstop to book."
November 14, 2021
Aleisia
Last week Modelresource told you about Mode's captivating new face, Aleisia.
We would have told you about her sooner, but the 15-year-old just signed with Mode one week ago.
Since then she has also signed with Giovanni in Toronto and Montréal, as well as IMG in New York, Paris, Milan and London.
The 5'9½" cutie flew into Toronto yesterday, and is booked to shoot today, tomorrow and Wednesday. Schedule permitting, Modelresource will catch up with her during this brief stay.
Stay tuned...
November 11, 2021
Ford's Ashley Stetts
Check out Ashley Stetts, who started in Toronto with Ford Models, before moving to New York just this summer.
Pictured on the left is Stetts, scoring a major cover with Women's Health Magazine.
November 11, 2021
Lisa Cant in Fashion (Winter 2006)
When magazines come out with their lists of top Canadian models there are too many good photos to choose from (but it's no secret how Modelresource feels about Lisa Cant), and too many great faces that get left out.
We want to know what you think.
Take a few minutes to see who Flare and Fashion put on their lists, then pick who you think should be added next year.
It might not influence anyone's opinion at Flare or Fashion... but then again it might.
Meet Jess Robertson, one of those Canadian models that's gone on to do really well internationally, without making a lot of headlines on the way.
I first met the Sutherland model in March, during L'Oréal Fashion Week, just before the doll-like brunette flew off to Paris for the first time. In fact, I was in Sutherland's office waiting to get to the airport to meet Lisa Cant when Robertson learned she was heading to Europe.
Her career got a major overhaul just prior to that, when booker Brandon Hall stripped her portfolio of all its Asian content and marketed her anew, with just polaroids.
Planit M in New York took interest and since then Robertson's career has gone into overdrive, booking Noise Magazine in New York and Self Service Magazine in Paris (with Mariacarla Boscono - shot by Terry Richardson).
Through her Milanese agency, Why Not Models, Robertson has booked BMM (by Silvia Tenenti), Collection, Gioia, IO Donna, Avant Garde (by Erik Standler), Pelicce Moda, HOT magazine, S magazine, Flax and most recently Vanity Fair.
November 9, 2021
Mode's new face, Aleisia
While we're debuting amazing new faces, check out Mode's latest discovery.
Pictured on the right is 5'9½" Aleisia, who did her first polaroids on Sunday.
Modelresource has been tipped off (then sworn to secrecy) about some of the frenzy surrounding this personable 15-year-old.
For now, all we can tell you is stay tuned... there is much more on the way...
November 9, 2021
Next's new face, Els
Since we first caught sight of this auburn-haired beauty last week, Modelresource has been resisting the urge to post a picture or two... but our excitement has gotten the best of us.
Meet the newest discovery of Next Canada's west coast scout, Corey Mann.
The plan was originally to debut Els in our upcoming feature on Next, but since I misplaced my personal voice recorder with all the interviews at Starbucks over the weekend (the same Starbucks, incidentally, where the last Next Model we went crazy over was discovered), the feature has been delayed a couple days.
This 5'9" 14-year-old is off to Paris with her mother to see what kind of interest there is for her there. It's a pretty safe bet we will be seeing a lot more of this Vancouver cutie in the months to come.
The 20-year-old who just shot a See by Chloe campaign with Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin on the weekend has been on a roll lately, cracking the models.com Top 50 and being named one of Style.com's Top 10 models for 2006.
Hintmag.com does a monthly round-up of seven new-ish models whose careers are on the rise. Other recently recognized Canucks include Madeleine Berrevoets (October), Marla Boehr (September) and Bobbi Wiens (July).
November 8, 2021
Marla Boehr makeup by Hung Vanngo
Since arriving from Calgary (via Montréal) three years ago, Hung Vanngo has been a Toronto model's best friend on set.
Now, the fantastically talented makeup artist has been chosen to receive the 2005 Best Editorial Make-up award by the Canadian Network of Make-up Artists (CNoMA).
Vanngo, who has worked with most of Canada's top models, often has his work featured in this country's best fashion magazines.
The CNoMA awards were handed out Sunday in Toronto.
November 7, 2021
Corestone Model Management
A few months ago DNA Models, which was located just north of Toronto and in no way affiliated with the New York agency of the same name, moved into Toronto's Fashion District in a move to bolster business and gain respect.
Now, in a move that should further boost its credibility by increasing clarity, the company has changed its name to Corestone Model Management. According to a news release, the company has struck an alliance with the Corestone Management Group of Companies, and will be changing its name to reflect the new partnership.
The change is effective today, and the full release can be downloaded here.
November 4, 2021
Julia Dunstall
Canada's population represents approximately one half of one percent of the world's population. One in every 200 people on the planet call this country home.
So for close to 10 percent of the world's top models to wave the Maple Leaf flag is really outstanding.
Continuing our country's reputation as a bottomless well of style and beauty is Northern Alberta's Julia Dunstall.
The stunning 20-year-old has been named one of the Top 10 models for Spring 2006 by the editors of Style.com following an amazing show season in New York and Europe.
Fellow Albertan and Mode model Heather Marks continues to represent her country proudly as well, having just confirmed another D&G campaign (shot by Steven Klein - styled by Patti Wilson).
November 3, 2021
Adam Durocher
Modelresource spent part of Tuesday getting to know the staff at Next Models a little bit better, and learning more about their impressive roster.
One of the more intriguing stories is that of Adam Durocher. The Thunder Bay native has been working solidly, appearing in Dazed & Confused, Madame Figaro, VHM, Flaunt, GQ, Bolero, The Face, Uomo Vogue and Vogue Italia; doing Biotherm, Roberto Cavalli, Tommy Hilfiger and Timberland; and shooting with the likes of Steven Meisel and Ellen von Unwerth.
Modelresource's feature on Next Canada will be online next week.
November 2, 2021
Platform Models
Need another reason to stay in shape this winter? How about spending the coldest part of the season in sunny Australia?
Modelresource contacted our friend Georgia Douglas from Platform Models in Sydney to see what's on the horizon. Says Douglas "Platform is always looking for good editorial girls and mid-20s commercial girls with good books."
The agency's roster is set until Christmas, then quiet until mid to late January. In February and March though, swimsuit season hits, and as Douglas reminds us "Canadians can get Working Holiday visas for Oz" (something our American neighbours cannot get so easily).
Get a good look at this French/Chinese face. It belongs to 5'8" (173 cm) Adrianne who was discovered by the well-trained eye of Chantale Nadeau in September.
Sutherland Models has kept the 19-year-old university student busy, setting up two shoots for Jasmine Magazine and one for Sears just in the past week. She does Chatelaine next week.
An interesting sidenote: Adrianne is the younger sister of well-known Canadian actress Sandrine Holt.
The prediction might be somewhat bold, but the dark-haired beauty is nonetheless making her mark just as the staff at Giovanni Models had predicted.
November 1, 2021
Seven years ago today Grant Models opened in a downtown Calgary office. It was my second agency, having also operated in Saskatoon. Sadly, the Alberta agency didn't start out as well as I had hoped, and by December I was actively learning how to build websites and spending late nights learning everything I could about the industry.
Within two years I had been approached by a mining company that no longer wanted to stake its fortunes to the unstable price of gold, opting instead to go with a sure thing by investing in a dot.com.
Richelle Dobson styled by Annie Lam
By 2001, modelresource.com was online and showing slow but steady growth. Times were good...
...until gold prices recovered and the mining company saw the error it made abandoning natural resources in favour of a website.
Still, times were good for the website and its small staff (comprising just me) which found a niche in the modelling market by posting all kinds of free information for models that needed credible, impartial information.
By 2004 I had realized another niche market existed and registered a Canadian version of Modelresource; a website that would tell this country's stories and dig deeper into the issues and opportunities facing Canadians.
Annie Lam
This morning, as I check my web statistics for modelresource.ca I'm reminded why I do this. Visitors dropped by modelresource.ca 23,000 times in October, staying an average of more than five minutes per visit. This has been the site's best month to date.
Before jumping into this full time I had the opportunity to work with the Ontario Government building websites like The Ontario Children's Portal which has since received mounds of praise and earned me awards as recently as September - a full eight months after resigning my position to concentrate solely on this venture.
In my time with the government I was fortunate enough to work with IBM's top usability experts and web architects, and learned not only how people approach websites, but also what they expect to find when they get there.
Frankly, despite the advantage I have in understanding web traffic I never expected this site to become so popular, so quickly. I'm blown away by the loyalty of Modelresource readers.
Santa Auzina
During the recent L'Oréal Fashion Week I met a lot of models that followed the site passionately. Meeting that many people that share in my thoughts and read my words was a very humbling experience. It's why I feel a responsibility to keep introducing new elements to the site.
A while ago Modelresource mentioned Cynthia Cully helped negotiate a few new features. The first, debuting in November, is a regular column by Highrise Magazine's new Fashion Editor, Annie Lam.
26-year-old Lam, who is also a contributing editor for Jasmine Magazine, will be explaining current trends, sharing what models need to have for castings and bookings, and helping readers understand what they need in their closet.
Lam has been in the industry for ten years, starting as a makeup artist before working as a booking assistant at a modelling agency, studying fashion design at Ryerson University and signing on as a styist with the Plutino Group two-and-a-half years ago. Among the many models she has worked with are Michelle Valencourt, Richelle Dobson, Jessica Stam, Tegan Dearing and Maria Dvirnik.
Carly Kincaid
Also, Modelresource isn't waiting for December to tell you about Santa. She is just one of several top Next Canada models getting major play worldwide. Watch for Modelresource's feature on Next (our next agency profile), coming this month.
To Carly Kincaid, one of my models that was with me in Saskatoon, all through the Grant Models experience, and even in the start-up phase of Modelresource, Happy Birthday! Kincaid is now a successful radio announcer in Edmonton, and one of the best people I've had the pleasure to know.
And to Modelresource readers, my eternal gratitude. You have no idea how grateful I am that your ongoing support has allowed me to make a career doing this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
