Vivien’s Model Management girls; Sarah Pauley, Avril Alexander, Olivia Thornton, Philippa Gleeson, Tessa May, Shanay Hall, Iskra Galic, Nerida Lennon, Cailin Moore, Ania Novak, Tori Knight
A potent formula of sun-kissed skin, healthy body attitudes and our fun-loving, have-a-go nature has flung Australian models to fashion’s front line.
Our nation is now a known hot spot for sourcing supermodels, every scouts sonar is tuned in to our city streets hunting down the next big thing.
The authentic southern hemisphere twang can now be heard backstage at all the top designer shows including Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld cast five at Chanel in Paris and Giles Deacon who cast eight at his show in London.
The Model Citizen report at Frockwriter blog notes it is in fact this `low maintenance’ attitude that tops the list of the Aussie model’s positive attributes.
“The girls have a very natural beauty and ease about them, along with an incredible sense of confidence and wry humour. They are always a joy to be around and very professional” – Francisco Costa, Women’s Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection, who has cast Kershaw, Gemma Ward, Julia Nobis, Emily Baker and fellow Kiwi Jessica Clarke, and Sunshine Coast teen Codie Young.
Codie Young via Busy Models
Unaware of her unique look, Young was shopping at her local mall when Busy Models scout Summer Fisher discovered her and immediately signed her to Vivien’s Model Management.
She quickly rose to become one of Australia’s newcomers to watch shooting a Vogue Australia cover in the first few months, before racking up some serious catwalk credit on the international circuit including Moschino, Marni and Marc Jacobs.
Young recently featured in the Topshop campaign and snared a 13-page editorial and cover suggestion for covetable fashion bible, Vogue Italia.
In light of our exceptional down under dames, Fashion Exposed has joined forces with top agency, Vivien’s Model Management as the official sponsor of the Salon Shows during the industry trade event from this Sunday August 28 – Tuesday August 30.
Vivien’s is the leading and largest model agency in Australia and Fashion Exposed is thrilled that they will be such a key part of the Melbourne event.
Fashion Exposed Blog highlights three of the faces, some new, that you’ll see on this weekend’s runways – be sure to catch a glimpse because the next time you see them will be on the catwalks of the world.
Introducing Cailin Moore, Ania Novak and Tori Knight.
Tori Knight
How were you discovered? Were you surprised? Was modeling always something you considered as a career?
I was shopping with my Mum when an agency scout approached me. I was very surprised and very shy when I was approached! Being a model was never a profession I planned on pursuing, but as the opportunity arose I grasped it.
What is your favourite part of the job? Why?
I love meeting new and interesting people every day and also working with my sister and friends in the industry. I’m lucky to be exposed to many amazing experiences and opportunities.
You have been labeled as the next fresh face from the Vivien’s stable- how does this sit with you?
I am flattered to be labeled the next fresh face and I look forward to many more successful years in the fashion industry.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
I would love to do more work overseas and be based in a city for 6 months or more – New York would be pretty amazing! I would also like to continue studying and learning about health and nutrition. So in the future I can see myself being a successful woman of fashion who has a deep knowledge and concern for well being and health.
What are some of the jobs/lookbooks/campaigns/editorial you have done so far?
Myer and David Jones Runway shows, magazine editorials, swimwear campaigns, GPO shows, Spring Racing Carnival Parades, Myer Catalogs, the upcoming Fashion Exposed on the 28th and 29th August and more.
Do you prefer Runway or editorial?
I love both runway and editorial. Doing editorial work with a talented and collaborative team is a great experience. Amazing material can be created and Australia has some of the best creatives I have worked with. Runway shows are completely different and yet so much fun. I love how backstage is frantic and chaotic however on the catwalk all is perfect – the lighting, clothes, make-up, hair, skin, music.
Your sister Alex Knight is based in NY- do you want to live there and model together?
I would love to live in New York with my sister – I miss her too much. We had the best fun together when we were traveling and working in 2010. New York is a vibrant and fast paced city, I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t love that city.
You both did runway shows in Paris together – tell us about which shows and what this experience was like?
Alex and I were in Paris for the Paris Haute Couture 2010. It was very prestigious to work with these designers, and I have never worked with more delicate and intricate designs since. Each collection was exquisite. We walked for designers such as Julien Fournie, Christophe Josse, Alexandre Vauthier and Massaro.
What’s it like backstage?
Each show is different but very chaotic backstage. There are lots of clothes, shoes, accessories, racks, hairdressers, make-up artists and half-dressed models.
Was it fun having your sister with you? What else did you get up to in Paris?
Alex and I became locals in our 2 months in Paris. We loved Rue Montorgueil, a pedestrian-only street with some beautiful cafés, fruit and vegetable stalls, bakeries and health food stores. Le Marais district is an eclectic and fun area especially on Sundays when most stores are closed and we loved the shopping here – lots of vintage stores. Each Saturday we went to the garden parties at Le Hippodrome de Longchamps (The Racing Course). Dinner and drinks here with friends was beautiful, overlooking the sparkling Eiffel Tower at midnight. J’adore Paris!
Cailin Moore
Cailin Moore
How were you discovered? Were you surprised? Was modelling always something you considered as a career?
When I was in year 12 I decided to enter a competition with a few girlfriends, I ended up getting through and a few weeks later I signed my first contract with Vivien’s Model Management. I was very surprised, modelling was not something I ever considered to be a career choice, it was more of a dream. In high school I remember girls laughing at me when I said my ultimate goal was to become a supermodel.
What is your favourite part of the job? Why?
I love every aspect of the job, but if I had to choose one it would be walking down the runway. I get such a buzz when I step out onto the runway and the whole audience have their eyes on me.
You have been labelled as the next fresh face from the Vivien’s stable – how does this title sit with you?
Really??? Its pretty amazing, one step closer to my dream!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
I would love to do a major campaign for Myer or David Jones and of course I would like to travel overseas again to work in different markets and gain more experience and exposure.
What are some of the jobs/lookbooks/campaigns/editorial you have done so far?
Ive just finished filming the current season of Project Runway Australia (watch it on Monday 8.30pm, on Arena), Highpoint shopping center campaign, Forever New spring/summer show 2011, shows for Bonds, I have previously shot with Marie Claire and Elle Beauty.
Do you prefer runway or editorial?
I love runway, but I also love the challenge of editorial, I like trying new things!
Ania Novak
How were you discovered? Were you surprised? Was modelling always something you considered as a career?
I was out at a girls day out function with my mum, aunt and sis when I was stopped by an agent who had a stall set up at the event. Took a snap of me and my details. Few months later called me to say a photographer wanted to shoot my portfolio for free and saying yes to that started it all.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up as a model. Brought up in a family where there was a strong focus on education, going to university and settling into a stable career.
What is your favourite part of the job? Why?
The traveling. It has given me the opportunity to see beautiful parts of the world which I may have otherwise never had the chance to see or even thought of going to see!
You have been labelled as the next fresh face from the Vivien’s stable – how does this title sit with you?
Fresh face? Feels to me it feels like I’ve been doing this for ages!! Starting to feel old actually!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
With my degree in finance completed and working on the business side of the fashion industry.
What are some of the jobs/lookbooks/campaigns/editorial you have done so far?
Always get a mental blank when asked this. Umm, Country Road Christmas a few years ago as well as being a regular in their look books. Sportsgirl look book on a number of occasions. Small Portmans campaign and lookbook once. Westfield campaign a few seasons ago. Myers catalogs and TVC’s. Regularly shoot Lumiere campaigns which appear in some fashion magazines.
Do you prefer runway or editorial?
Definitley editorial. Less stress and after hours and hours of work, at least there are photos to be shown for it!