Carole White, founder of one of the world’s leading model agencies, was interviewed by broadcaster Scott Wimsett for The Industry at Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design last night (2 March).
White has shaped the careers of some of the industry’s biggest names, including Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, whom she described as the best model she had ever worked with.
A rapt audience of designers, retailers, publishers, PRs, writers and students heard how White established her agency from scratch in 1981 and went on to create one of the world’s most prestigious agencies representing some of the industry’s biggest names.
White, who says she never gets bored of the excitement of finding the next new girl and solving problems on a daily basis, explained how social media had changed the industry for good. Having a great social profile is now as important as having a great look. But she revealed the most important attribute for modelling success was “personality”. “If you’re a drip, it won’t work,” said White in her typical straight-talking style.
After the talk the audience were invited to ask White questions, during which she revealed the names of the two models she had turned down and most regretted doing so – Kate Moss and Heidi Klum (oops!) – why modelling is about the only industry where women earn more than men, and why if models must have tattoos they should be small and discreet.
The video highlights will be posted soon, but in the meantime we are sharing a picture gallery of highlights from the evening.
Images: Fran Hales
With thanks to: Scott Wimsett, Bespoke Banter, Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design & Fran Hales.
