Distinct Model Management works closely alongside some of the top modelling agencies throughout the world and has gained a reputation for discovering some of the most exciting new faces in the industry.
The competition to discover Distinct's newest face is running up until the end of this month (31/12/13) With the prize being a year's contract with Distinct Model Management.
Rob Kenny sat down with Agency CEO Anne Morgan to discuss the competition, the agencies 1st birthday and high fashion modelling in Ireland...
Anne, tell us about Distinct Model Management as an agency, what is it that makes you different?
I opened Distinct Model Management in November of 2012 because I was very interested in setting up an agency which promoted natural, unique beauty which essentially is where the name came from. My main aim was to open an international standard of agency in Ireland so that the models could experience working both here and abroad so from day one I made contact with a lot of international agencies and travelled to London twice to get a feel for what was going on in the industry across the pond. From there I began to send models abroad to place them with some of the top agencies in the world so I think in a sense that is one of Distinct's key strengths and something which sets it apart. I think Ireland needed an international agency because we have some incredible talent here.
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And you're a relatively new agency, I believe you've just celebrated your first birthday, yet you've done so much in a year already?
It has been quite overwhelming to be honest! I set Distinct up on my own and I deal with everything myself so it has really become my life but its my passion and I think maybe that has something to do with its success. I couldnt dedicate this amount of my life to something I didn't believe in! In a year Distinct has had girls in London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, we have done campaigns both in Ireland and internationally and our girls have worked with some amazing international publications such as iD and Vogue for example so I've been incredibly blessed. The models are an absolute credit to themselves. Already I have a lot of new developments lined up for 2014 which will strengthen the identity of Distinct Model Management so I am particularly excited for the next 12 months!
What is it that a high-fashion modeling agency is looking for in its models, over the more commercial agencies you tend to see a lot of in Ireland?
There is no denying the other agencies here have always known their market. Ireland has always been that bit more commercial because lets face it, we are a small country and aren't recognised as a fashion capital so there was never the demand for high fashion models. But the industry here is evolving at such a fast pace. In the past 2 to 3 years the creative talent coming out of this country is unbelievable and we are seeing so many designers featured internationally and making a name for themselves abroad so the demand for high fashion models seemed to go hand in hand with this progression. Because of that, it is important that we know as an agency what the client wants. I wanted clients to know that they didn't have to outsource and fly international models into the country, we have everything we need here. So I guess what I look for is what the client wants. But essentially for Distinct that would be very natural, distinctive looks. Tall, healthy and unique. For me though, attitude is the most important of the lot. I will not send my clients a model who hasn't got a professional attitude so a real passion for this industry is essential for me.
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So tell us about this model scout campaign you guys have launched? How can any of our inspiring model readers get involved?
Well firstly, the role of social media right now is huge and it influences so much of what we do and I think as an agency we always want to keep up with what is current and influencial so this seemed like the ideal way to find our next top model. Girls in particular can be so afraid to show their natural beauty, after all we live in a society where so much is based on looking a certain way which often involves hiding behind makeup, hair, clothing, everything. And we don't believe you have to. Some of the most beautiful women in this industry have 'flaws' that are now their strongest feature in terms of their identity as a model and we should be celebrating these little things that make us unique! So we have asked everyone to send us their photos on Instagram wearing no makeup holding a sign (not covering their face!) with the hashtag #iamdistinct. Applicants should tag us @distinctmmgmt and tell us their age, height and where they are from followed by the hashtag #iamdistinct and #distinctmodelmanagement The competition will run until December 31st and we will announce our Top 5 applicants who we will then meet and announce the winner of the competition who will then win a one year contract with Distinct Model Management
Guidelines For Entry
1) Submit a picture of yourself via Instagram with no makeup in either black and white or colour.
2) The following two hashtags have to accompany the Instagram picture; #IamDistinct and #distinctmodelmanagement. (please watch for upper and lower case letters). Please tag @distinctmmgmt on instagram along with the photo and the two hash tags in submitting your entry.
3) You also need to write on a blank piece of white paper #IamDistinct and hold this in front of you but not covering your face in the photo.
4) Please include your height, age and where you are from.
For more info visit DistinctModelManagement.com
