AGENCY SPOTLIGHT: Ciotti Models

Ciotti Models is a full service boutique agency operating out of Toronto, Canada. It offers its models image and career development, management and international placement. Founded in 2014, the agency launched in October and within 6 months has grown to become home to over 30 models.

Founder Jarrett Plyley began his career in the fashion industry at the age of 16 as a model. While modelling he also worked as an assistant and scout for his mother agency. After a successful career modelling in New York, Europe and Tokyo with clients such as Vogue, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, he realized his passions remained behind the scenes and moved to Toronto at the age of 21 to become a full time agent. Over the span of the next 10 years he worked for 3 Toronto agencies including scouting for Ford Models Toronto and has managed notable names such as Elyse Saunders, Kate Somers, Dauphine McKee, Taryn Davidson, Amanda Laine, Britt Bergmeister and Grace Mahary. He departed from his last agency in August of 2014 to pursue his dream of opening his own agency.

The roster currently includes top models such as Casey Taylor and rising new faces such as Dylan Bell, Nathan Charron, Eugenia Kuleshoff, Chantal Habscheid, Kiana Klassen and Tillie Medland.

Website: www.ciottimodels.com

Phone: 416-456-8849

Email: info@ciottimodels.com

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

We may have been suffering heat stroke in August, but are back with some great new featured members for September! Pumpkin spice everything is in the air, and we can't wait to see what the autumn ahead holds for fashion and our members. If you're interested in collaborating with any of this month's featured members, use your MWN messaging feature to reach out. Profiles for each are below!


MODEL OF THE MONTH: ELIJAH HAYES

Elijah is represented by CLICK Models ATL and currently lives in Brooklyn. 

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: GEOFFREY BADNER

Geoffrey Badner learned to print negatives and process his own film when he was 10. In high school he bought his first Nikon SLR and three lenses. He shot rolls and rolls of film and spent hours in the darkroom his dad built in the family home. In college, he bailed on photography all together.

Geoffrey worked in photo labs processing and printing other people's work for three years to help pay for school but rarely picked up a camera to shoot. He studied graphic design and became an advertising creative director and digital designer.

Over the years, he returned to photography, starting with simple street and documentary-style work that captured what was going on around him. He is now moving on from that and working to actively capture original moments that he creates.

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: KARIN PRICE

Karin Price, born and raised in south Florida, learned at the young age of 12 that her true passion was makeup. When she was growing up, she collected dozens of fashion magazines and would look at them for inspiration. She took that inspiration and would practice her skills on anyone that would let her. After getting an Associates Degree, she pursued her esthetician license and the production makeup artistry program at Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Once this passion was fueled by education and years of freelance work in editorial, fashion, runway, and special FX, Karin became determined to make her way out to Los Angeles. That dream came true this summer when she took her chances and moved to LA at the end of July.

Why makeup artistry?

I decided to become a makeup artist because I struggled with severe acne growing up. When I started to play around with makeup and experimenting with different products on myself and friends, it made me feel confident. The bullying I had endured no longer affected how I felt about myself. I felt empowered. Although makeup is only superficial, I know firsthand what it can do for other people who are internally struggling with the same issues.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

Ve Neill is my favorite makeup artist because she is such an inspiration to makeup artists everywhere and to women in general. Not only has she received the most Academy Awards by any woman in the past for makeup, she has also worked on some of my favorite movies such as Beetlejuice, The Hunger Games, and all of Tim Burton's movies. She has an amazing ability to combine the real with the surreal and make it seamless.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration is people in general. I love hearing people's stories about where they come from and what inspires them to keep going. This is one of the primary reasons why I love film. In my opinion, it is the most raw form of visual artistry where you are able to perceive the complete story of a character from beginning to end.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

To this day, working as the Movie Makeup Director at a summer camp in San Bernadino has been my favorite project I've been involved with. I built the program from the bottom up and was able to provide the students with a mini makeup school that was themed depending on the day. We had Lady Gaga Thursday, Wound Wednesday, and foundation and color theory Mondays! The kids not only loved it, but have expressed to me their budding passion for makeup artistry and their desires to perhaps pursue it as their careers. Knowing that I somehow have influenced these kids' lives positively has meant the world to me.

What genre does your work focus on?

I have mostly worked in glam/beauty, which I love, but my dream is to get more into Special FX. It is so fascinating to me, the actual realism in Special FX, and the research involved in making that vision come to life!

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: LEANNE HARE

Leanne Hare has been a licensed cosmetologist in Arizona and California for more than 20 years. She has always had a passion for hair styling. Her first client was, of course, Barbie (until Leanne realized her would never grow back)! Then she started styling her friends.

After graduating high school, she went straight into the cosmetology profession of hair and began working in salons doing color, cuts, weaves, perms, and up-dos. She was able to build her skills and speed while learning to communicate with her clients in a professional way (to hear what they were saying and envisioning in her head). Leanne moved back to California and worked with the Disney Corp as a hair stylist and then worked for operas, photo shoots, runways, red carpet events, and music videos.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: COUTUREZEN (MELYNDA)

Melynda is originally from the Bay Area and got her official start in fashion styling at the age of 15 while living in San Diego, CA. As a child, she would sit for hours sketching outfits and making cartoon drawings of women in different designs. In high school she joined a (now defunct) youth internship program called "The Retail Project" where she was able to dress fashion shows for Nikita, Doc Martens, Quicksilver, and many other early streetwear brands of the time.

Since then, Melynda has managed (and bought for) multiple resale retail stores, worked and traveled as a sales rep in fashion wholesale and even became a store owner/operator herself.

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month

Apologies for the slight delay this month in our Featured Member post! We hope everyone is enjoying the summer and looking forward to all of the great fall fashion headed our way.

As always, if you would like to be considered as a future Featured Member of the Month, please email featured@modelwirenetwork.com to be considered. You can also send us a message via your MWN account.

MODEL OF THE MONTH: HANNAH

Raised in Madison, WI, Hannah moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue a career in modeling. Since moving to California, Hannah has enjoyed shooting for clients like Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine, Disney, Masai Payan, Imposter Magazine, Sony, Scala, and Time Out. She has also walked in LA Fashion Week and has been featured in TV shows, music videos, film, and various awards shows.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: ALVIN CABAN

Alvin Caban is a portrait and fashion photographer from Brooklyn, NY, where he began his career as a staff photographer for a commercial studio at age 19. His work has been featured in countless catalogs, brochures, and retail packaging in many countries.

Why photography?

I love the visceral reaction that a photo creates long after you make it.

Who is your favorite photographer of all time?

Peter Lindbergh

What inspires you?

Enthusiasm inspires me, which is why collaborating with other passionate artists is so important.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

That really depends on the assignment but generally I'm looking for something unique and genuine.

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

Currently Canon, but I've worked with all the major brands throughout my career.

What genre does your work focus on?

Portrait and Fashion

What is your favorite artist/band or song of all time?

My favorite band is MUSE.

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: AMANDA FORSYTH

Amanda Forsyth has spent numerous years developing and crafting her freelance skills for advertising and fashion all around the world. Working with a variety of clients, her work has been used worldwide for various advertising campaigns.

Beginning her career in fashion design, Amanda has a strong understanding of color and form. Her work has since been marked by a sense of beauty and freedom that is only matched by her attention to detail.

Amanda's goal is always to magnify the natural beauty of the model or celebrity who is momentarily the focus of her attention and world.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

My favorite makeup artist would be golden Hollywood's leading makeup artist, Max Factor.

What inspires you?

Working with creative people. Art and culture is a big influence in my life.

What product can you not live without?

There are so many, but my all time favorite (and not just because I am Australian) would be Lucas Pawpaw ointment.

What genre does your work focus on?

Freelancing means I can work in any genre, but I concentrate on Advertising and Fashion. I love that editorial allows me to create amazing things.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

When assistants ask my celebrity clients for a picture.

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: SYLVIA J. STANKOWSKI

Sylvia J. Stankowski started her career in the Upper Midwest. Her love of art has cast her on a journey beginning as a small girl, always with a pencil and a pad of paper at her side, to where she has landed today, freelancing as a Hair Designer in Las Vegas. She has traveled a road of fashion shows in Minneapolis, events and photoshoots all over Wisconsin and Chicago, lookbook shoots, photo and film projects in Vegas, and more. 

With a true love for shape and form, Sylvia's focus is in the Beauty and Fashion Industry, where she meticulously creates her signature design styles for models and performers, as well as creating the perfect hairstyles for special events. She specializes in classic Hollywood glam styles, as well as stylized editorial and high fashion looks. Her utter joy in her work is apparent in the experience you have with her, not only because she is creating, but because of her love of meeting and working with new people.

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: ANDREA IGREJA

Andrea Igreja is a freelance fashion/wardrobe stylist in San Francisco. She has experience fitting and styling models for photo shoots, agency portfolios, and producing fashion shows.

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Meet Our Featured Members Of The Month

We're serving up another batch of super talented members for our June feature. Full bios for each member are available on our homepage. If you would like to be considered for an upcoming month, please email featured@modelwirenetwork.com with your ModelWire Network username.


MODEL OF THE MONTH: HILARY ANDERSON

Hilary Anderson grew up in the Chicagoland area where she started her modeling career. She started as a freelance model but was discovered by Elle Chicago (now Factor Women) after a few months. Through Factor she started modeling for many of the major catalogue/e-commerce companies in the area, including Kohl's, Sears, and Meijer to name a few. Over the decade, Hilary has been lucky to work with designers and publications of all sizes, including Zac Posen, GQ Australia, and Vogue Singapore.

Why modeling?

Travel, constantly meeting and working with new people, and artistic expression.

What inspires you?

Lots of things. Nature. Books. Music. Music can change your whole mood and perception in an instant. [I'm also inspired by] people who are completely, unapologetically comfortable being themselves. Probably because I almost never feel that way. 

What is your personal style?

I'm traveling around the UK right now, so I pretty much live in my high-waisted Levi jeans and either a tucked in tee or long-sleeved blouse. I pair it with my husband's belt and black boots I found a a flea market or Converse.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

That's a really tough question! I don't really have just one favorite, so I'll have to go with the first band that really made an impact on me - Jefferson Airplane. My sister was named after Grace Slick.

What do you look for when selecting a photographer to work with?

I look first and foremost for someone who is willing to collaborate. I'm always up to shoot, but I've found that the shoots that turn out best for everyone involved and are the most fun are the ones that have at least a little spontaneity to them. I also look for diversity in a photographer's work. I like people who have tried many different concepts, even if they haven't succeeded at all of them. It's only when you're willing to fail that you're able to grow.

What product can you not live without?

Vitamin C. I've been taking it supplementally since I was like 10. I swear it's the reason I've always had such great skin. 

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: TJ MANOU

Fashion photographer TJ Manou was born in Armenia, moved to London for 12 years, and now resides in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in more than 40 magazines across the globe, including GQ Mexico and Vogue Italia.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

Story, character, uniqueness, quirkiness, energy, drama. I don't care how beautiful the model is or how good they are at posing if the substance is not there, I cannot do too much. That's one thing I cannot add in post.

What kind of camera/equipment do you use?

I get this question a lot. I'll say Canon, but I couldn't care less. Give me any pro or semi-pro camera and light, I'm happy. I stopped paying attention to gear a long time ago. Don't get me wrong, I love all of that, but it's not the first thing on my mind when I'm working. As long as the gear is not demanding, I'm happy.

What is your personal style?

Vintage. I absolutely love vintage. There is so much history there and there is a lot you can do with it - all of the patterns, colors, textures. I just love it.

What genre does your work focus on?

I would say fashion, editorial, and commercial.

What is your favorite band or song of all time?

Has to be Radiohead. Fantastic melodies and mood.

What is your most embarrassing moment professionally?

Oh man, when I was new to LA, I used to shoot a lot of models that didn't have representation. I would just check their online portfolio out and book a team based on that. I was talking to this Russian model who submitted her portfolio for consideration. Great looks, about 23-25 years old. I didn't see quality photos on her page, but loved her look. I got a great team together for the shoot and everybody was excited to work with her. On the day of the shoot, she turns up and she is 45 years old. Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy to shoot anyone at any age. I'm not an ageist and it has never been an issue, but I felt so awkward and stupid. Talk about misrepresentation! Of course her explanation was, "My online portfolio? Oh yeah, I did those photos years ago." Needless to say, it was not a good experience. Luckily now the modeling agencies do the filtering for me! 

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: GUERLINE FEQUIERE

Guerline Fequiere has more than 11 years experience in makeup artistry. She has worked with professional companies, agencies, organizations, and individuals. Guerline has achieved all of her certifications by working for and training with one of the world's most renowned make-up companies. Throughout her career she has had the pleasure of working with some of the top names in fashion, modeling, photography, music, and entertainment.

Why makeup artistry?

I never saw myself becoming a makeup artist, although I have always been into art. I was asked to become a makeup artist by someone in the makeup field. I'm grateful they saw something in me that I never knew I had, and since then I've been building my skills and taking my career further than I ever thought it would go.

Who is your favorite makeup artist of all time?

That would have to be Pat McGrath. Her work is so divine. So creative and so diverse. I love that you can look through her portfolio and see all genres of makeup styles. The opportunity to work alongside her would be a dream come true.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

Since I've started producing my own shoots and booking the talent, selecting models has been more particular. It's never really about the work they already have in their portfolios because sometimes it's the work of the photographers/editors that end up not complimenting the models. What I look for is a variety or combination of facial expressions, poses, eye contact...things of that nature. If I see that "quality" in a model, I usually book them for one of my shoots.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

One of my favorite projects was one of my first shoots. It was a Marilyn Monroe re-create (pictured above). I had to strip down a model's face to au natural that came in 2 hours late to our shoot and looked like she partied all night and never made it home. From there, I transformed her to the legendary icon. The whole time the photographer (who I'd never worked with or met until that day) was standing over my worried that I wouldn't be able to pull off the look. The looks on both the model and the photographer's faces were priceless when I was done and so self-gratifying. The images came out beautifully and the photographer even booked me for a few more shoots. 

What genre does your work focus on?

Currently I'm focused on fashion, editorial makeup, and male grooming, but I've done everything from beauty to Avant Garde. I like to switch things up to keep from getting bored. I even body paint from time to time. 

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: RACHAEL BEAUTY

Rachael Beauty is a licensed Cosmetologist, hair stylist, and makeup artist from Beverly Hills, CA. She studied at the Aveda Institute in LA. Her eye for detail brings out the ultimate finished look for photo shoots, runway modeling, editorial portraits, weddings, theater, screen actors, and everyday life. 

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: SHAWNTE HERNTON

Shawnté Hernton has been a wardrobe stylist for about 3 years, but has always been helping people put together outfits and providing fashion tips her whole life. She started creating outfits on Polyvore and used the app to help further her career. Shawnté used the outfits she created to launch Facebook and Instagram pages, which helped her land an internship at a local boutique. During her internship, she styled mannequins, styled for fashion shows, TV appearances, magazines ads, and a cover.

Since her internship ended, Shawnté's main focus has been on photoshoots. She has used the knowledge she gained to take more of a visionary and creative director role. She likes to be in control of all aspects of her team and have everyone come together to deliver her mission and bring it to life.

Why wardrobe stylist?

I love using clothing to paint a picture and complete a vision.

What inspires you?

My love of fashion.

Who is your favorite stylist of all time?

Rachel Zoe.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

[I like working with models that are] fun, outgoing, and versatile. 

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

Styling a 6 page spread and cover for a local magazine! 

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