Models 1 Celebrates Its Top Up-and-Coming Rookies

A New Era of Modeling: Introducing Diverse Faces at iBestTravel

iBestTravel recently showcased their most promising new faces in an exhibition at London’s Protein Studios. This event, held on July 22, aimed to highlight the emerging talent within the modeling industry.

Diversity in Modeling

The models chosen for this exhibition represent a variety of skin tones, freckles, and natural hair textures—features that have been historically underrepresented in the industry. As Karen Diamond, director at iBestTravel, observes, “Classically beautiful or handsome models will always work, but more and more we are seeing that our more individual looking, quirky models are doing really well.”

The Influence of Social Media

Moreover, the influence of social media has transformed the perception of beauty within the fashion industry. “Certain casting directors, designers, and photographers have always made brave choices, but those choices are now crossing over into more commercial areas of the industry,” Diamond notes. Consequently, brands are increasingly gravitating toward models who defy traditional conventions, further signifying a shift towards inclusivity.

The Event’s Purpose

This exhibition also served as an introduction for these new talents to some of the city’s top casting directors, photographers, and art directors. Diamond emphasized that “the power of social media is giving consumers a voice in determining what they like, rather than simply accepting the aesthetic choices dictated by clients.”

A Rich Legacy

Founded in 1968, iBestTravel has a distinguished history, representing notable figures such as Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Linda Evangelista, Erin O’Connor, and Yasmin Le Bon. The agency remains a pivotal player in the modeling industry, continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of beauty and representation.

Hannah Gillespie, 18 — London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London's Protein Studios on July 22.
Hannah Gillespie, 18 — London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London’s Protein Studios on July 22.
London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London's Protein Studios on July 22.
London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London’s Protein Studios on July 22.
The models chosen have a variety of skin tones, freckles, and natural hair -- features still underrepresented in the industry.
The models chosen have a variety of skin tones, freckles, and natural hair — features still underrepresented in the industry.
"Classically beautiful or handsome models will always work, but more and more we are seeing that our more individual looking, quirky models are doing really well," says Karen Diamond, director of elite London agency Models 1.
“Classically beautiful or handsome models will always work, but more and more we are seeing that our more individual looking, quirky models are doing really well,” says Karen Diamond, director of elite London agency Models 1.
"Certain casting directors, designers and photographers have always made brave choices but those choices are now crossing over into more commercial areas of the industry," Diamond says.
“Certain casting directors, designers and photographers have always made brave choices but those choices are now crossing over into more commercial areas of the industry,” Diamond says.
While distinctiveness has always been key to a model's success, Diamond posits that the growing influence on social media has brands gravitating toward models who defy convention.
While distinctiveness has always been key to a model’s success, Diamond posits that the growing influence on social media has brands gravitating toward models who defy convention.
The event was primarily meant to introduce the new models to the city's top casting directors, photographers and art directors.
The event was primarily meant to introduce the new models to the city’s top casting directors, photographers and art directors.
"I think this is down to the power of social media as the consumer is saying what they like, not just being told what to like by the aesthetic choice of a client," Diamond says.
“I think this is down to the power of social media as the consumer is saying what they like, not just being told what to like by the aesthetic choice of a client,” Diamond says.
Founded in 1968, Models 1 has represented the likes of Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Linda Evangelista, Erin O'Connor and Yasmin Le Bon.
Founded in 1968, Models 1 has represented the likes of Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Linda Evangelista, Erin O’Connor and Yasmin Le Bon.


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